The International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning to move the Champions Trophy 2025 away from Pakistan according to a report. They are exploring a third option for the tournament’s venues.
The Champions Trophy 2025 might be held in the UAE, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, which are being looked at as alternatives. The first option is to host the tournament in Pakistan and the second is a hybrid model.
In the hybrid model all matches would be played in Pakistan, except for the games involving India, as well as the semi-finals and final, which would take place in the UAE.
Reports suggest that the hybrid model is the ICC’s preferred choice for the tournament. They have also created a budget for all three options which would be a significant setback for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB will still be the host for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but moving the tournament out of the country would be a major change, even if the hosting rights remain with the defending champions.
It is suggested that relocating the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not be easy for the ICC, but a clear decision is expected in November. This situation is largely influenced by the Indian national cricket team.
Due to political tensions, India hasn’t traveled to Pakistan for a long time. Since it was announced that the tournament would be held in Pakistan, there have been concerns regarding India’s participation.
Because of these political issues, India and Pakistan do not play each other in bilateral series and only meet in ICC events and Asia Cups. During the Asia Cup 2023, India didn’t go to Pakistan, and the tournament was held in a hybrid format, with India’s matches taking place in Sri Lanka.
Reports also indicate that the Indian government has not allowed the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. Officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have stated that they will only travel if the government gives the green light.
