ICC Emergency Meeting on Champions Trophy Scheduled for Friday

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called an urgent meeting to resolve the ongoing stalemate surrounding the Champions Trophy. The meeting is set to take place online on Friday, November 29, and participation is mandatory for all member boards. It is anticipated that a final decision regarding the Champions Trophy will emerge from this meeting.

In the meeting, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to be asked to consider an alternative plan to host the tournament under a hybrid model. According to this model, 10 matches would take place in Pakistan, while the semifinals and final, along with 5 other matches, would be hosted in another country.

However, given that the PCB has previously rejected the hybrid model, the ICC might propose a compromise. This could involve reducing the impact of the hybrid model, with one semifinal and the final being hosted in Pakistan.

While such an arrangement would pose significant operational and logistical challenges, it could serve as a potential solution to the deadlock. If the PCB agrees, preparations would begin immediately, including advance bookings for hotels, travel arrangements, and securing venues for the semifinal and final.

The ICC has yet to decide on the location for India’s matches. The United Arab Emirates, with venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is currently being considered as a possible option.

Whether the PCB will accept this proposal remains uncertain. If the PCB rejects the ICC’s decision, a vote will be held to determine the final outcome. In such a scenario, all 14 members of the ICC board will cast their votes, and the decision will be based on a majority. Once decided, the PCB will have no alternative but to accept the outcome.

Moreover, if the PCB rejects the hybrid model entirely, the ICC board may propose relocating the entire tournament out of Pakistan.