Champions Trophy Without India “Impossible,” Broadcasters Tell ICC; PCB Missing From ‘Hybrid Model’ Talks

The Champions Trophy 2025 schedule remains pending as the ICC’s board meeting with broadcasters Star Sports was postponed to Saturday, according to PTI. Originally set for Thursday, the meeting was meant to discuss the support for the ‘Hybrid Model’ under newly-elected ICC Chair Jay Shah. BCCI Joint Secretary Devajit Lon Saikia represented India, while officials from England and Wales Cricket, Cricket Australia, and Cricket West Indies were absent. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also did not attend.

Reports suggest that the ICC Board is expected to reject PCB’s demands for a hybrid model for future ICC events in India. The PCB may, however, receive compensation. Broadcasters have made it clear that a Champions Trophy without India is not feasible and that an India-Pakistan group match is crucial for revenue.

On the same day, Jay Shah visited the ICC headquarters in Dubai for the first time as chairperson, meeting with the Board of Directors, which included members from Bangladesh, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Malaysia, and the UAE.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan between January and March 2025, has faced delays in its schedule due to security concerns raised by the Indian government regarding sending their team to Pakistan. The BCCI proposed a ‘Hybrid Model’ where India’s matches would be held in the UAE, but the PCB rejected this idea.