Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photos of Jay Shah and Mohsin Naqvi
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to take center stage in an ICC Board meeting scheduled via video conference next week, with discussions on a hybrid hosting model likely dominating the agenda.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm about hosting all matches in Pakistan, while India has refused to travel to Pakistan proposed playing its matches in the UAE. The PCB faces mounting pressure to accept the hybrid model, with threats of the entire tournament being relocated if they refuse. Such a scenario would leave Pakistan with two difficult choices: withdrawing from the event or boycotting matches against India. With neither side willing to compromise, the ICC’s perceived neutrality has been called into question, as critics accuse the organization of passivity.
Time is running out, and stakeholders are increasingly anxious to finalize the tournament schedule. In an added twist Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is poised to assume leadership of the ICC on December 1. Shah, currently in Dubai, has reportedly been lobbying for support among ICC members, further strengthening India’s position.
Insiders claim financial considerations already give India significant sway within the ICC, a trend that Shah’s leadership may amplify. In response, PCB officials have ramped up their lobbying efforts, including discussions with cricket boards like England’s, to rally support for their stance.
Should the ICC decide against Pakistan, the PCB may consider legal action, as will broadcasters concerned about revenue losses from a diminished tournament. Broadcasters, who were banking on a marquee India-Pakistan clash, have warned of legal challenges if these matches are excluded, as they are vital for viewership and revenue.
The PCB has invested heavily in tournament preparations, reportedly spending 13 billion Pakistan Rupees on stadium upgrades. Speculation suggests the ICC might offer financial compensation to the PCB to mitigate losses in exchange for acceptance of the hybrid model.
The ICC Board, comprising 17 members including representatives from major cricketing nations and associate member directors, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. However, the PCB claims it has yet to receive official notification about the upcoming meeting and maintains there are no security concerns in Pakistan. It argues that if other teams can travel to Pakistan, India should follow suit. The board has rejected the hybrid model outright, asserting its resolve to host the tournament entirely within Pakistan.
Meanwhile, media reports suggest Jay Shah may hold a phone conversation with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the unresolved issues.
ICC’s current 17-member Board is comprised of:
- Chairman Greg Barclay
- an independent director (yet to be confirmed)
- Mohsin Naqvi (Pakistan)
- Mirwais Ashraf (Afghanistan)
- Mike Baird (Australia)
- Jay Shah (India)
- Brian McNeice (Ireland)
- Roger Twose (New Zealand)
- Dr. Mohammed Abdul Samad Moosajee (South Africa)
- Shammi Silva (Sri Lanka)
- Dr. Kishore Shallow (West Indies)
- Tawengwa Mukuhlani (Zimbabwe)
- Associate Member Directors: Mubashir Usmani, Mahinda Vallipuram, and Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja.Faruque Ahmed (Bangladesh)
- Richard Thompson (England)
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
