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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce a crucial resolution to the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy issue on December 11, 2024. This announcement comes after multiple discussions and deliberations, as both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) navigate complex diplomatic and organizational challenges.

The PCB has been in discussions with the ICC regarding upcoming matches against India, specifically demanding written assurance that Pakistan will not have to play against India in India for the approaching Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This request arises from longstanding geopolitical tensions between the two nations, impacting cricketing events over the years.

Another focal point of these discussions has been the PCB’s agreement to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 under a hybrid model. This model proposes that future matches between India and Pakistan be held at neutral venues, a compromise stemming from BCCI’s earlier announcement that India would not participate in the Champions Trophy matches held in Pakistan due to security concerns. Initially, the PCB advocated for the tournament to occur entirely in Pakistan but subsequently presented the hybrid model, suggesting Dubai as an alternative venue for some matches.

A crucial demand made by the PCB is that if India opts not to travel to Pakistan, then Pakistan should also refrain from traveling to India for any ICC events. Despite multiple meetings on November 29, December 5, and December 7, involving the ICC to discuss these issues, a definitive resolution had yet to be reached as of the last meeting.

With only two months left until the Champions Trophy 2025, the need for a resolution is pressing. The upcoming decision by the ICC not only addresses immediate logistical concerns but may also set a precedent for managing future cricket ties between India and Pakistan within ICC tournaments. This resolution is anticipated to clarify aspects of hosting responsibilities and assure fair play amidst regional diplomatic challenges.

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