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India has once again refused to accept the formula proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding Champions Trophy deadlock, leading to further postponement of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) board meeting scheduled for Thursday.

As per the details, the meeting scheduled for the day in Dubai will now be held on December 7 — only after India responds to Pakistan’s position, and all stakeholders are confident of a solution that could be accepted by both countries.

The PCB has made it clear to the ICC that the meeting should only be called once India has responded, and a decision can be made, reports said.

Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Dubai to attend the meeting scheduled for the evening on Dec 5. A major decision on the Champions Trophy was likely to be made during the same.

Meanwhile, an Indian cricketing website claimed that the Champions Trophy will be held under the hybrid model and “Pakistan has accepted it”.

However, PCB has officially only offered a two-nation formula instead of the hybrid model. Under said arrangement, Pakistan shall also not play any ICC tournaments on Indian soil for at least the next three years.

Among other conditions put forth by Pakistan, a 3-nation series with India should also be played at a neutral venue.

While reports say that India is not likely to accept any demands but a majority of the board members “will agree to hold Champions Trophy under two-nation formula”, PCB has rubbished all claims and reiterated its stance.

Former Pakistani pacer and cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that the Indian cricket team and Virat Kohli were eager to play in Pakistan, but their government was not allowing them to come to the country for Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to a digital media outlet, Akhtar said that Indians wanted to come and play in Pakistan more than Pakistanis themselves.

“They are dying to play in Pakistan… Virat Kohli might also be dying to play in Pakistan,” he said, adding that he had worked with the Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI), and knew that Indians in Pakistan would get the opportunity to earn a lot more in terms of TV rights and sponsorships.

To a question by former skipper Mohammad Hafeez regarding India’s hesitation, Akhtar said their government did not want the national team to travel across the border.

The Indian government and the BCCI have decided not to send the Indian cricket team for Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. Amid negotiations led by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan has also opposed a proposed hybrid model enabling India to play its matches at a neutral venue.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that nothing comes before the country’s “honour” and if India cannot play cricket in Pakistan, Greenshirts won’t go play any matches or tournaments across the border either.

Under PCB’s “new formula” for the upcoming tournament, both teams will play ICC event matches at neutral venues for three years.

With both countries at loggerheads, the ICC Board is likely to meet on the issue this evening (Thursday), for which PCB chief Naqvi has also reached Dubai.

According to reports, a major decision regarding the holding of the Champions Trophy is likely to be made in said meeting.

Meanwhile, a reception is being hosted in honour of India’s Jay Shah, who has assumed the post of ICC chief. A meeting with ICC broadcasters is also underway ahead of the board meeting.

The PCB chief maintains that he is sticking to his stance, and if the new formula is rejected, the PCB can take “strict action”. Pakistan is also reportedly considering legal options to resolve the dispute.

Afghan cricket team captain Rashid Khan has raised his voice against the Taliban government’s decision to ban women from medical education.

After imposing several restrictions on women in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has now also banned them from pursuing medical education, prompting the Afghan Cricketer to raise his voice against the Draconian decision. Rashid has called the ban “regrettable” and has appealed to the government to reconsider. 

He issued a statement on Instagram, speaking out for  Afghan women.

He wrote, “Learning knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman. I am saddened and disappointed by the news about the closure of education and medical departments in front of the sisters. It’s very painful to see pictures of sisters and mothers on social media and depression. Just as the foundation of a country’s development begins with education, our sisters also have the right to educate and be able to serve their community in every field except the medical sector. I hope that this decision will be reviewed and our sisters will be provided with education according to the principles of the holy religion.”

“Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders. It is with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan. This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society. The pain and sorrow they express through social media serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles they face,” he added.

The Cricketer wrote, “Afghanistan, our beloved homeland, stands at a critical juncture. The country desperately needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector. The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts the healthcare and dignity of women. It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs.”

He further wrote, “I sincerely appeal for the reconsideration of this decision so that Afghan girls may reclaim their right to education and contribute to the nation’s development. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”

Afghanistan, where many restrictions have been imposed on women after the Taliban government came to power, has now issued a new order banning women from pursuing health education in the country.