ICC to propose 2 plans at Champions Trophy board meeting

by Tejas Rathi
Champions Trophy impasse amid tough tussle between India and Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to propose two plans regarding the schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament is in jeopardy with India refusing to travel to the host nation, Pakistan due to security concerns. The recent protests in Islamabad further piled misery on Pakistan in their pursuit of hosting the marquee event.

According to a report by Indian Express, ICC may decide to hold India’s group games, semi-finals and final in UAE, which will make it easier for the players to travel to and from Pakistan due to close proximity. The second plan sees the semi-final and final taking place in Pakistan, if India doesn’t progress to the knockouts.

It all will be decided during the ICC board meeting on Friday for finalizing the venue for the Champions Trophy. A voting could take place among the board members presiding in the meeting. The majority of the members agreeing to a certain plan will be deemed as the final decision.

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra put forth his opinion on the matter. He thinks the Indian government is smarter than all and termed their decision right. As per Chopra, the showpiece event can’t take place without India.

“The right choice should be made and it is beyond our understanding what would be the right call. India’s travel to Pakistan is not decided by the BCCI but by the Indian government. If they have decided not to travel to Pakistan then it is completely right. Wherever it (Champions Trophy) will be played, it can’t happen without India,” Chopra told IANS on Thursday.

“Top priority is the safety” – BCCI vice-president on Champions Trophy row

Amid uncertainty of the venue of the Champions Trophy, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla revealed that their discussions are going on and a final decision will be taken after fully introspecting the situation. He also signaled that the tournament could be played in hybrid mode.

BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla (right) on Champions Trophy row

“Our discussions are going on. A decision will be taken after looking at the situation. Our top priority is the safety of the players. Hybrid mode is also an option; discussions are going on,” Shukla was quoted as saying by India Today.

The recent protests in Islamabad saw supporters of jailed former Pakistan captain and PM Imran Khan gathering in the country’s capital. They demand the release of Imran from the jail and the resignation of the current government in Pakistan.

There have been casualties and injured individuals during the protests and the situation has been worrisome. As a result, Sri Lanka A canceled their Pakistan tour mid-way. It will be interesting to see the final decision by ICC, regarding Champions Trophy which is expected to be made public by Friday evening.

FAQs

Who won the last Champions Trophy?

Pakistan in 2017

When is 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled to take place?

February 19 to March 9

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