Champions Trophy 2025: ICC in further trouble as They Missed Crucial 90-Day Deadline, November 29 Meeting Holds Key

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Champions Trophy 2025: As the uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 deepens, the International Cricket Council (ICC) faces mounting pressure following its failure to meet the crucial 90-day deadline to release the tournament's schedule and fixtures, reported Cricbuzz.

This deadline, which has now passed, has left several stakeholders, particularly ICC's media partner Disney Star (merged with Jio Star), in a precarious position, unable to fully capitalise on the commercial potential of the event. This delay could have significant financial implications for the ICC, the broadcasters, and the host country, Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the host of the 2025 Champions Trophy, has voiced its concerns about the ongoing delay. A senior PCB official reportedly contacted ICC CEO Geoff Allardice to express frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the tournament's organisation. This concern is compounded by the uncertainty around India's participation, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that the Men in Blue will not travel to Pakistan under the current circumstances.

An additional challenge involves a proposal to split India and Pakistan into separate groups, allowing Pakistan to host all its league fixtures at home. However, the broadcaster opposes this suggestion, as it would require the host team to travel to another country to play India in the hybrid model. The ICC is expected to discuss this proposal in its meeting on November 29, with decisions that could shape the future of the tournament.

This issue is also highlighted by the broader debate on the relevance of the 50-over format in modern cricket, with many questioning its sustainability. The Champions Trophy, originally conceived to showcase the best of ODI cricket, has faced challenges due to the growing dominance of T20 leagues globally.

Still, the most compelling reason to revive the 50-over format remains the India-Pakistan fixture, which is a marquee event drawing significant viewership and commercial value. Without this fixture, the Champions Trophy would lose its appeal and commercial viability.

Three possible outcomes loom over the tournament: The ICC may push through with the hybrid model, Pakistan could reject it and force the event to be relocated, or worst-case, the tournament could be canceled. The economic and diplomatic ramifications of each scenario are significant, with Pakistan potentially boycotting future events hosted in India, impacting the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, the 2025 Men's Asia Cup, and beyond.