ICC faces pressure as broadcasters lose patience over Champions Trophy 2025 schedule delays

The eagerly awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is at the center of a growing dispute as broadcasting companies that acquired the tournament's media rights are pressing the International Cricket Council (ICC) for immediate release of the tournament schedule. 

With mounting financial implications and strained relationships, sources indicate that broadcasters are running out of patience.

According to insiders, the broadcasters, who secured the ICC’s media rights for an estimated $3 billion through 2027, were promised a cycle that included high-stakes Pakistan-India clashes. Such matchups historically generate the highest viewership and revenue. 

However, the situation has become complicated as India has declined to participate in the Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan. With no clear schedule and the possibility of a tournament without India, broadcasters are facing substantial losses and have demanded that the ICC make an immediate decision.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is equally firm, rejecting proposals for a hybrid tournament model and advocating for the event to proceed in Pakistan. 

On the other hand, the ICC is actively working to address the concerns raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding India's possible withdrawal from visiting Pakistan for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.

Sources confirmed that the PCB had been actively engaging with other cricket boards, informing them of the Indian board's position, which placed the ICC in a challenging situation. Pakistan, steadfast in its opposition to the hybrid model, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, further complicating matters for the governing body.

The ICC was expected to take a few days to craft a detailed response to the PCB's inquiries. According to reports, after Pakistan outlined its concerns regarding India’s refusal, the ICC initiated discussions with the Indian Cricket Board to clarify the matter and gather the necessary information to respond adequately to the PCB's email.

Additionally, the Indian Cricket Board was expected to issue a written statement after thorough consideration of the legal implications involved. The ICC planned to base its formal reply to the PCB on this statement. In the meantime, ICC officials consulted with other cricketing nations to explore possible solutions to the ongoing issue between Pakistan and India.

The 2025 mega event tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February-March, marking the country's first international event to be hosted since 2008.