ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan
The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, slated to be hosted by Pakistan in 2025, faces significant challenges as host nation Pakistan anticipates potential hurdles. Recent reports highlight India’s hesitation to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, sparking discussions about adopting a hybrid event format.
Scheduled for February-March 2025, the Champions Trophy marks its return to the cricket calendar after its last edition in 2017. Pakistan, having secured hosting rights, submitted a draft schedule to the ICC last month, including matches in Lahore, notably involving India.
However, geopolitical factors cast doubt on India’s participation in Pakistan. Sources indicate it’s unlikely India will travel due to current circumstances, prompting considerations for a hybrid model, akin to the 2023 Asia Cup format.
“There is a high probability that India won’t travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, pending government decision. Hence, we’re exploring a hybrid model, possibly relocating India’s matches to the UAE or Sri Lanka, similar to the Asia Cup. ICC’s stance on this will also factor in,” stated a source to India Today.
Under the proposed hybrid plan, select matches, particularly those involving India, could be staged in the UAE or Sri Lanka. This approach aims to ensure the tournament proceeds amidst security concerns and political sensitivities.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to engage the ICC on venue alternatives. News18 reports suggest a scenario where the entire tournament might shift to Dubai or Sri Lanka if consensus on the hybrid model isn’t reached.
India and Pakistan cricket relations have been strained since 2008, with sparse bilateral series and no recent tours. The 2023 Asia Cup relocated India’s matches to Sri Lanka due to similar geopolitical tensions, underscoring the challenges in hosting international cricket between the two nations.