Champions Trophy 2025: What to expect from November 29 ICC Board meeting

The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy is not a new development.

For the past couple of months, both nations have been at odds, with each side holding firm on their stance. However, the final decision regarding the Champions Trophy will be taken during the ICC board members meeting on November 29th.

While it may not be announced immediately, a crucial virtual meeting will take place that day with the International Cricket Council (ICC) stakeholders. The meeting will include 12 full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair, bringing the total to 16 voting members. Typically, there would also be a female representative, but that is not the case this time. The discussions will revolve around finding a resolution to the impasse between India and Pakistan. Three potential scenarios are being discussed, but one seems far more likely than the others. Let’s break them down:

Hybrid Model (Most Likely Outcome)
The most probable solution is the hybrid model, where matches would be played in both Pakistan and the UAE. Under this arrangement, India’s matches would likely be held in the UAE, while the remaining matches could take place in Pakistan. This compromise would allow Pakistan to host the tournament but also address India’s concerns about security.

The hybrid model seems to be the most realistic outcome, as it offers a balance between the demands of both nations. India has made it clear that its team will not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. However, this model would allow both teams to participate in the tournament, while the UAE serves as a neutral venue for the Indian team.

India-Pakistan Match and Finals in Pakistan
Another option that Pakistan may propose is to host the India-Pakistan match and, if India reaches the final, also host the tournament’s grand finale in Pakistan. However, this is less likely as it would still require India to travel to Pakistan for at least one game, which remains an unlikely scenario. While it might be a point of negotiation for Pakistan, it’s expected that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) would resist this option, given the ongoing security concerns.

Full Tournament Outside Pakistan
The final possibility is that the Champions Trophy could be moved out of Pakistan entirely. If a consensus is not reached and Pakistan does not agree to a hybrid model, there is a chance that the entire tournament could be relocated to another country. According to reports, Sri Lanka is a strong contender to host the tournament, given its recent experience with hosting the Asia Cup.

This scenario would be a major blow to Pakistan, not only losing the opportunity to host the Champions Trophy but also the associated revenue and prestige. This is a situation that Pakistan would want to avoid, which is why they may eventually come to the table with a compromise.

Why Pakistan May Agree to the Hybrid Model
Pakistan has significant stakes in the outcome of this decision, and there are several reasons why it might eventually agree to the hybrid model:

Financial Impact
One of the most pressing reasons for Pakistan to compromise is the financial windfall that hosting the Champions Trophy would bring. Pakistan stands to receive a hosting fee of approximately $65 million. If the tournament is moved elsewhere, Pakistan risks losing this revenue. In addition, reports suggest that the ICC may offer even more money for hosting a hybrid tournament across two countries, which could be a tempting offer for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which relies heavily on ICC revenue.

Avoiding a Tournament Without Pakistan
If the Champions Trophy goes ahead without Pakistan, it could set a dangerous precedent. Pakistan would risk being sidelined in future ICC events, and the successful execution of the tournament without their participation could undermine their standing in world cricket. Additionally, if the tournament is successful without Pakistan, it could embolden the ICC to take similar actions in future tournaments. This is a scenario that Pakistan would prefer to avoid.

Revenue Losses in the Future
Another significant reason for Pakistan to compromise is the potential loss of future ICC revenue. Pakistan is one of the top earners from the ICC’s revenue-sharing model, and if it refuses to compromise, it risks losing a substantial portion of its annual income. In the next few years, Pakistan stands to earn around $35 million annually (roughly 5.5% of the total ICC revenue). If Pakistan doesn’t follow the board’s decisions, they could lose this share, which would be a massive blow to the PCB.

Risk to Future Tournaments
Pakistan has not hosted an ICC tournament in nearly three decades and is desperate for an opportunity to do so. A compromise over the Champions Trophy could pave the way for Pakistan to host future international tournaments. However, if they remain obstinate, Pakistan risks losing future hosting rights. This could also discourage other countries from touring Pakistan, which is something that the PCB would want to avoid at all costs.

Why a Tournament Without India is Not an Option
There has been some speculation, particularly in Pakistan’s media, about the possibility of hosting a Champions Trophy without India. However, this scenario is not viable from a commercial perspective. India’s participation is crucial for the tournament’s success, both in terms of television viewership and sponsorship. Reports indicate that around 80-90% of the ICC’s revenue comes from India, making it impossible for the tournament to succeed without India. The ICC has a vested interest in ensuring India’s participation, which is why the idea of a Champions Trophy without India is simply not feasible.

The Importance of the Hybrid Model
Given the financial and diplomatic considerations, the hybrid model appears to be the most balanced solution. This option allows Pakistan to host the tournament while addressing India’s security concerns. It also helps avoid the risk of moving the tournament out of Pakistan, which would have significant consequences for the PCB.

Both India and Pakistan have valid reasons for their positions. From Pakistan’s perspective, hosting the Champions Trophy is a matter of national pride and economic opportunity. From India’s standpoint, security concerns and government advice prevent them from traveling to Pakistan. In this context, the hybrid model seems to be the best compromise. It offers a way forward that satisfies both parties and ensures the tournament’s success.

The ICC’s meeting on November 29th will be crucial in determining the future of the Champions Trophy. While a decision may not be finalized on that day, the discussions will set the stage for an eventual resolution. Given the stakes, it’s likely that the hybrid model will emerge as the most acceptable outcome, allowing both India and Pakistan to save face while ensuring the tournament proceeds as planned.