The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled tentatively for February next year, remains uncertain due to ongoing disputes over hosting rights. An upcoming meeting between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), scheduled for November 29 in Dubai, could determine if the tournament will proceed as planned in Pakistan or shift to a different format or location.
India had refused to travel to Pakistan during 2023 Asia Cup
The hosting of Champions Trophy was awarded to Pakistan, but India has raised security concerns, citing safety issues with playing in Pakistan. These concerns echo the situation with the 2023 Asia Cup, where India refused to travel to Pakistan, leading to a hybrid model in which India’s matches were hosted in Sri Lanka while other games took place in Pakistan. Following this precedent, it was anticipated that the Champions Trophy might also be held in a hybrid format.
India did not accept PCB's proposal
The PCB initially proposed a solution to address India’s security apprehensions. PCB proposed all of India’s matches could be played in Lahore, with Indian players allowed to return to India after their games. However, this proposal was not accepted by India. In response, the PCB withdrew its support for a hybrid model, leaving the ICC to potentially intervene.
Likelihood of pressuring India to play in Pakistan is minimal
During the November 29 meeting, the ICC may again propose a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. If the PCB rejects this model, the ICC could consider withdrawing Pakistan's hosting rights altogether. The likelihood of pressuring India to play in Pakistan is minimal, given India’s firm stance on security issues and its history of not participating in Pakistan-hosted events since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
PCB continues preparations for hosting the Champions Trophy
Despite the uncertainty, the PCB has continued preparations for hosting the Champions Trophy. In anticipation, the PCB has invested heavily in renovating three key stadiums: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. A budget of approximately 12.5 billion Pakistani rupees was allocated to modernize these venues and ensure they meet international standards. However, these efforts might go in vain if Pakistan loses its hosting rights.
As the ICC and PCB prepare for the crucial November 29 meeting, the cricketing world is keenly watching the outcome. Whether the Champions Trophy will follow the Asia Cup model, shift to a new location, or face other adjustments remains to be seen.
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