The 2025 Champions Trophy, although still distant on the calendar, has already become a topic of discussion due to Pakistan's hosting. The history of conflicts between India and Pakistan has previously caused challenges for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in organizing events such as the Asia Cup. The resolution in the case of the Asia Cup involved Sri Lanka being added as co-hosts in a hybrid format. Now, with India expressing reservations, the fate of the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, hangs in the balance.
Uncertainty Surrounds 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan Amid India-Pakistan Tension
The 2025 Champions Trophy, although still distant on the calendar, has already become a topic of discussion due to Pakistan's hosting. The history of conflicts between India and Pakistan has previously caused challenges for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in organizing events such as the Asia Cup. The resolution in the case of the Asia Cup involved Sri Lanka being added as co-hosts in a hybrid format. Now, with India expressing reservations, the fate of the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, hangs in the balance.
As reported by various Indian media outlets, there is a possibility that the 2025 Champions Trophy might be relocated from Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains steadfast in its reluctance to send cricket teams to Pakistan. The PCB is apprehensive that a situation similar to the 2023 Asia Cup may recur in the upcoming Champions Trophy. A source informed the Press Trust of India (PTI), stating, "PCB officials have deliberated on the possibility that the Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) might decline to send their team to Pakistan." The officials from PCB have emphasized that, regardless of the circumstances, the International Cricket Council (ICC) should avoid making any unilateral decisions.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is also anticipated to adopt a hybrid model, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as a potential alternative venue. This proposal allows the Indian cricket team to participate without playing matches in Pakistan. There is even speculation that the entire Champions Trophy could be conducted in the United Arab Emirates alone. This wouldn't be unprecedented, as the 2021 T20 World Cup and two Asia Cups in 2018 and 2022 were successfully hosted in the Middle Eastern country.
The last ICC Champions Trophy took place in 2017, where Pakistan secured a historic victory by defeating India by 180 runs in the final at London's Oval. It was Pakistan's first Champions Trophy title, and the team had reached the final for the first time in the tournament's history.
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