“Smog of Uncertainty” Looms Over Pakistan-Hosted Champions Trophy 2025 as Jay Shah Takes Over ICC Chairmanship
As Pakistan prepares to host the prestigious Champions Trophy 2025, uncertainty clouds the event, especially with the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India regarding the tournament’s venue. This comes as Jay Shah, the former honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), officially assumed the role of Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday.
In his inaugural statement as ICC Chair, Shah outlined his vision for his tenure, emphasizing two key areas: leveraging cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and accelerating the growth of women’s cricket globally. The 35-year-old expressed his excitement at taking on the new role, highlighting the opportunities ahead for the sport.
“I am honored to take on the role of ICC Chair and grateful for the trust placed in me. This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide,” Shah said in a statement. He also underlined the importance of fostering the women’s game, acknowledging the critical juncture the sport finds itself in with the coexistence of multiple formats. “We need to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket, and I am committed to making this a priority,” he added.
Shah’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as one of the biggest issues on his agenda is the ongoing dispute over the location of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, has been the subject of controversy due to India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns, despite reassurances from the Pakistani government.
According to sources close to the matter, the ICC is exploring a “partnership formula” to resolve the deadlock over the Champions Trophy’s venue. Under this potential plan, India would play all of its ICC matches—originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan—in Dubai, while Pakistan would play its scheduled matches in India in Dubai as well. This arrangement, sources suggest, would be applicable for the next three years, starting with the Champions Trophy in 2025, effectively sidelining any direct matches between India and Pakistan in each other’s countries during this period.
The proposed solution aims to ease the tensions surrounding the tournament’s hosting and scheduling. It would ensure that the Champions Trophy 2025 proceeds smoothly, even if India and Pakistan do not host matches on each other’s soil.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed optimism that a long-term solution could be reached, one that would benefit both countries and the sport of cricket as a whole. “We will not allow one-sided decisions. Decisions should be made based on equality,” Naqvi said, addressing journalists in Dubai on Saturday. He stressed the importance of finding a mutually agreeable formula for all future ICC events.
As the ICC looks for ways to break the deadlock, the situation remains fluid, with discussions continuing over the future of international cricket in the region. The coming months will likely see further negotiations between the ICC, the PCB, and the BCCI to ensure the smooth staging of the 2025 Champions Trophy, all while striving to bring lasting peace and cooperation to cricket’s most intense rivalry.
