Amid uncertainty around hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has apprised the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will only accept a solution that would concur with its stance. The development comes ahead of another ICC board meeting over the controversy, which was reportedly scheduled for today but the cricket governing body later announced that it could not be held on Saturday, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly sought more time after Pakistan's firm stance. The sources said the progress on the matter would be made only after the ICC will give a reasonable and viable formula.

However, they added: "Pakistan’s stance is unchanged (on hosting)". They also said that after Pakistan’s meeting with the ICC and other boards a day ago, the PCB had contacted various stakeholders. A crucial ICC board meeting convened to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy was held for just 15 minutes on Friday. It was agreed that Pakistan and India, in collaboration with the ICC, would work towards identifying an acceptable and workable solution for the tournament's hosting arrangements. The meeting was called in the wake of India's refusal to play in Pakistan, followed by Pakistan’s firm stance rejecting a hybrid model and warning that it would reciprocate by boycotting future events in India if the situation persisted.

Sources within the ICC revealed that initial consultations during the brief meeting resulted in a consensus for Pakistan and India to explore a mutually agreeable plan, potentially involving two or three other member boards as facilitators. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, but India's decision not to travel to Pakistan to play its matches in the country has cast doubt over the event. Pakistan, maintaining a resolute position, has reiterated that a hybrid model — where matches would be split across two venues — is not an acceptable option.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan