The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be held in Pakistan, marking the return of the prestigious tournament after an eight-year hiatus. Although Pakistan has been granted the hosting rights, the schedule and venue specifics remain undisclosed. A key point of contention is the Indian cricket team's refusal to travel to Pakistan, which has led the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider a hybrid hosting model.
Hybrid Model Under Discussion
On November 29, the ICC convened a meeting to address the tournament's organization, where Pakistani representatives initially opposed the hybrid model. However, recent reports suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has softened its stance, though it has attached certain conditions. One of the primary demands is that the final match be held in Lahore in case India does not reach the final. If India does not qualify, the PCB insists that Lahore host the championship game.
The PCB has further stipulated that any future ICC tournaments hosted by India should follow a hybrid model as well. Citing parity, the PCB has declared that if India does not play in India, they will reciprocate by refusing to travel to India for matches.
First ICC event in Pakistan since 2008
The tournament is tentatively scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This will be the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks strained cricketing ties between the two countries.
India and Pakistan have not faced each other on Pakistani soil since then, making the possibility of a match in this tournament a highly anticipated event. The Champions Trophy is returning to the ICC calendar for the first time since 2017, a year when Pakistan won the title. Meanwhile, India’s last victory in this tournament dates back to 2013.
India-Pakistan encounters draw massive viewership
ICC members have emphasized the financial and competitive significance of a potential India-Pakistan match. Such encounters typically draw massive viewership and revenue, and the absence of one could result in significant losses for the tournament. Despite ICC's efforts to persuade the PCB, the board has remained firm in its stance during recent meetings. However, the growing consensus points toward the hybrid model being the most viable solution.
The ICC now faces a delicate balancing act—ensuring Pakistan's conditions are met while also maintaining the integrity and profitability of the tournament. Whether the ICC accepts the PCB's demands or negotiates a compromise will be critical in determining how the Champions Trophy unfolds. Regardless of the outcome, the tournament promises to be a landmark event, with cricket fans eagerly awaiting a potential India-Pakistan showdown.
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