The much awaited announcement is about to be made. ICC is reportedly ready to announce the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule after the matters between PCB and BCCI are finally resolved.
Insider reports that ICC and BCCI have started showing signs of agreement and flexibility after the very persistent and resolute show of demands from PCB.
Although they have showcased flexibility by accepting the hybrid model, the cricket board of Pakistan is remaining very steadfast about their demand for a reciprocal treatment.
Therefore, a hybrid model is soon to be adopted and the schedule for Champions Trophy 2025 will be released accordingly. This setup, if officially accepted, will offer Pakistan with the provision similar to the one offered to India.
Neither of the nations will have to tour each other irrespective of the hosting countries, with all their matches planned at a neutral location for next three years.
While Indian media proclaims this model has already been accepted by the BCCI, the aversion of high-profile ICC meetings last Thursday without any formal conclusion says otherwise.
This on-going drama is mainly stemming from the long-standing political tensions between Pakistan and India. The two nations haven’t played each other except for the ICC tournaments since 2008.
The political and logistical conflicts continue to grow between them – making it a lot difficult for their cricket teams and boards to maintain cordial relations.
However, the cricket rivalry between the two nations is superb and contributes majorly to the popularity and revenue of ICC tournaments. This is the reason why ICC continues to struggle for a solution that serves the mutual interest of both nations as well as the game.
While the drama around Champions Trophy 2025 continues, fans are anticipating for the schedule release so the preparations for entertainment-packed matches can finally begin.