The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that discussions are ongoing to resolve the uncertainty surrounding next year’s Champions Trophy, according to sources from AFP. This comes after India declined to travel to Pakistan, the tournament’s host nation.
The future of the eight-team tournament has been in doubt since earlier this month when the ICC revealed India’s refusal to visit Pakistan for the event.
The two nations, India and Pakistan, share a history of tensions, having fought three wars since the partition of 1947. Their political rivalry often spills onto the cricket field, adding intensity to any match between them.
An ICC meeting was briefly held on Friday in Dubai but ended without any resolution, as per sources familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly.
“All parties are working towards a positive resolution,” said one source, adding that the board is expected to meet again in the coming days.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected proposals suggesting India play its matches in a neutral country, insisting the tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, must take place entirely in Pakistan.
Another source confirmed that “Pakistan’s stance remains unchanged” following the meeting, keeping the situation at a stalemate.
