CT 2025: ICC can put these two proposals in front of the board members in the meeting, one there is a possibility of a final in Pakistan

The ICC and all its member countries will hold a virtual meeting on Friday to discuss the dates and venue of the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is proposed from February 19 and now less than 100 days are left in it. In such a situation, all the aspects should have been finalized by now, but the BCCI's refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board's refusal to accept the hybrid model have complicated the matter.

On Friday, representatives of the 12 full member countries of the ICC, three from associate countries, one independent director, as well as the ICC chairman and CEO are expected to attend the meeting. BCCI vice-president and Congress leader Rajiv Shukla has also stated the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He said, 'Our discussion is going on. A decision will be taken after looking at the situation. Our top priority is the safety of the players. Hybrid mode is also an option. Discussions are going on.'

According to a report in the Indian Express, the ICC can put two plans in front of the panel. The first is to organize India's three group stage matches at a neutral venue. If Team India reaches the knockouts, the semi-finals and finals will be held in a neutral country. For this, the possible option is due to Pakistan's geographical proximity to the UAE. This will make it easier for other teams to travel to the country. The second plan is that if the Indian cricket team does not qualify for the knockouts, then both the semi-finals and the final will be held in Pakistan. For this, there can also be a vote among the member boards. The majority decision will be final and then the PCB will have to decide its course. According to reports, the tournament will last for 19 days. The tournament is to be held from February 19 to March 9.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that the Champions Trophy cannot be held without India. He supported the Indian government's decision not to send the national cricket team to Pakistan due to security and political tensions. He said- India's visit to Pakistan is decided by the Government of India and not the BCCI. If they have decided not to travel to Pakistan then it is right. Wherever it (Champions Trophy) will be played, it cannot be without India. The truth is that the ICC tournament cannot happen without India. We will know where it will be played and the decision taken by the Indian government is right.