Indian media has come forward with a new claim regarding the ICC Champions Trophy.
According to Indian media, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has agreed to play the Champions Trophy on Fusion Formula.
Indian media reports suggest that the BCCI does not want to apply the Fusion Formula to its own events. Instead, Pakistan’s group-stage matches in ICC events held in India would be played at a neutral venue.
The BCCI has reportedly clarified that if Pakistan reaches the semifinals or finals, they would have to play those matches in India. If Pakistan boycotts ICC events in India, it may face legal consequences.
The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) had earlier proposed a Fusion Model for ICC events scheduled in India over the next three years.
The PCB’s stance was that if India refuses to play matches in Pakistan, Pakistan would not send its team to India for ICC matches.
Sources indicate that the PCB is unwilling to back down from its position.
ICC Maintains Silence Over Champions Trophy Schedule
Following India’s refusal to visit Pakistan, the ICC has maintained silence on the Champions Trophy schedule, initially planned for February, while cricket boards of other participating nations await ICC’s decision.
The deadlock over the ICC Champions Trophy on Fusion Formula continues, delaying the announcement of the schedule and other tournament-related matters. The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be hosted by Pakistan, but uncertainty looms over the event due to the unresolved issues.
All cricket boards are awaiting ICC’s decision, with the schedule delayed due to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan.
The ICC was expected to release the Champions Trophy schedule by November 20. However, negotiations between the PCB and ICC are ongoing, with PCB officials currently in Dubai for discussions.
PCB’s Partnership Proposal
The PCB had proposed a partnership agreement under which India would play its Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue in Dubai, and Pakistan would similarly play its matches for ICC events held in India at a neutral venue. If both parties fail to agree on this partnership formula, a vote will be conducted.
Reports from India suggest that the BCCI has rejected PCB’s partnership formula. The final decision on the Champions Trophy will now be made during the ICC Board Meeting.
Significance of Champions Trophy on Fusion Formula in 2025
It is noteworthy that after hosting the 1996 ICC ODI World Cup and the 2008 Asia Cup, Pakistan has been awarded the hosting rights for a major ICC event—Champions Trophy 2025—after a long gap. All matches are scheduled to take place between February 19 and March 19 in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
However, citing government restrictions on touring Pakistan, the BCCI has proposed moving its matches to a neutral venue. On the other hand, the PCB is adamant about either hosting the event in Pakistan as planned or proceeding without India.