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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is engaging in back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to persuade them to adopt a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
However, media sources said that the PCB remains firm in its opposition to the hybrid model, making it unlikely that the tournament schedule will be announced within the next 24 hours.
These discussions aim to underscore the importance of the hybrid model, emphasizing that an ICC tournament cannot proceed without the participation of the Indian cricket team. Under the proposed model, India, the 2017 finalists, would play their matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instead of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, broadcasters and commercial partners have expressed strong reservations about any schedule that does not include a Pakistan-India match.
They have also warned of potential legal action if the tournament fails to feature the high-profile contest between the two arch-rivals.
It is worth mentioning that the ICC has secured $3.2 billion from broadcast rights for the 2024-2027 cycle and anticipates $1 billion more in other revenue.
