The Champions Trophy 2025 controversy continues to perplex the cricketing community, with no clear resolution in sight as three key stakeholders remain locked in a stalemate.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have struggled to find a mutually agreeable solution, even as the clock ticks down on a tournament that is now less than 75 days away.

There has been no sign of a meeting among ICC Board members, which was originally planned for December 7. The virtual gathering had to be deferred due to disagreements over the format and logistics of the eight-team tournament. Since then, no new date has been set for the meeting to resume.

Broadcasters, who tailor their investments around Indian matches specific to certain venues, appear to align with the BCCI's stance. They justify their financial commitments by highlighting that these were based on a guaranteed number of Indian fixtures. Given that Indian matches are the primary revenue drivers for international cricket and yield higher returns when hosted in India, their position holds significant weight.

The PCB, on the other hand, faces a challenging predicament, unable to reconcile with the current circumstances. Their firm rejection of a "hybrid model" leaves little room for negotiation, especially without assurances of adequate compensation to address their concerns.

Why T20 Format Is The Best Way Forward?

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC is falling behind in meeting its contractual obligations to stakeholders, particularly in adhering to critical deadlines. With the 90-day mark already surpassed, broadcasters are feeling the strain of effectively promoting the tournament. If the deadlock persists, there is a chance that some stakeholders may revive discussions about converting the Champions Trophy into a T20 format. This shorter format is not only easier to market but also gaining popularity compared to the traditional ODI format, which is gradually losing its appeal.