ICC to Hold Urgent Meeting Regarding Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called for an urgent meeting to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy. According to ESPN Cricinfo, the meeting is expected to take place on November 26. The primary focus of the meeting will be to reach a consensus on whether the tournament should be held in a hybrid model, with discussions involving the host country Pakistan, India, and other participating nations.

However, an ICC spokesperson clarified to ESPN Cricinfo that no formal communication has been made regarding the meeting for next week. It remains unclear how many boards have been informed about the meeting at this point. Meanwhile, a representative from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that they have not received any such information.

The ICC Board comprises representatives from 12 full-member countries, three from associates, the ICC chairman, CEO, and an independent director. The meeting will involve all of these parties.

The meeting was convened after the Indian government refused to grant permission for the Indian team to tour Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC of this decision. In November 2021, PCB was awarded the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in three venues in Pakistan: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

However, complications have arisen due to India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan. With less than 100 days remaining until the tournament's scheduled start, no official schedule has been provided by the ICC.

In an interview with the media in Pakistan this week, PCB Chairman Najam Sethi expressed "positive expectations" about the tournament being held in the country. He also mentioned his willingness to engage in dialogue with the BCCI to resolve the impasse.