ICC Champions Trophy 2024: ICC finally arrives at a resolution at the PCB vs BCCI standoff

New Delhi: After months of fighting and standoff between BCCI and PCB, the ICC has finally reached a resolution that seems to satisfy all the stakeholders in this three-way tussle. In a recent announcement, the ICC confirmed on December 19 that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be staged using a hybrid model or at a neutral venue.

THE GREATEST ‘PAUSE’ BEFORE DELIVERING THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY WINNING BALL. ❤️pic.twitter.com/lXq4irPReF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 18, 2024

Scheduled to take place in Pakistan, the tournament faced uncertainty due to India’s refusal to travel to the host nation. However, the ICC in a release has now said “India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue.”

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: India will play their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue 🚨

In return, Pakistan will only play India at neutral venues in all ICC events in the 2024-28 cycle 🏟️

[Via: ESPNCricinfo] pic.twitter.com/yzIpJvuzJo

— Sport360° (@Sport360) December 19, 2024

Political tensions between the two countries have prevented bilateral cricket outside major tournaments since 2008, with India last visiting Pakistan 16 years ago. However, Pakistan travelled to India for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously opposed the hybrid hosting model, which would see India’s matches played in a different country.

Teams scheduled to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy:

Here’s the list of teams who are scheduled to play in the ICC Champions Trophy:

• Afghanistan
• Australia
• Bangladesh
• England
• India
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Pakistan (hosts)

When is the ICC Champions Trophy 2024?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2024 is scheduled to start on February 19.

Where to watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2024 live in India?

Fans in India can watch the ICC Champions Trophy live on the Disney + Hotstar App and the Star Sports network. However, the BCCI still needs to make the final and official confirmation.