The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan in early 2025, marking a significant return of hosting rights for the country after a considerable period. However, a sense of uncertainty reminiscent of the Asia Cup 2023 is once again casting a shadow over the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The BCCI seems hesitant to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, mirroring their decision during the Asia Cup in 2023. Reports suggest that, similar to the Asia Cup, a hybrid model might be adopted for the Champions Trophy. Dubai is emerging as a potential host, with a proposal to have India play their matches there, while the rest of the teams would travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
The 2023 Asia Cup adopted a unique hybrid model, featuring nine matches in Sri Lanka alongside Pakistan as co-hosts. The tournament’s pinnacle, the finals, took place in Sri Lanka. Preceding this, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize the hosting rights agreement for the 2025 Champions Trophy. PCB emphasized that if India opted not to journey to Pakistan, citing political and security concerns, compensation should be considered.
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Sources reveal that the ICC has yet to formalize the crucial hosting agreement, despite acknowledging Pakistan as the tournament host. Although PCB officials have engaged in multiple meetings with ICC counterparts, including a recent visit to Ahmedabad, the final steps towards the Champions Trophy in 2025 are still pending. India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan, grounded in ongoing political tensions and security considerations, adds complexity to the situation.
In the ICC Champions Trophy slated for the upcoming season, the spotlight will be on the top 8 teams emerging from the recently wrapped ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Notably absent will be Sri Lanka, securing the 9th spot in the points table. Joining the cricket fray are Afghanistan and Bangladesh, adding their prowess to the tournament alongside host Pakistan, as well as cricket heavyweights India, Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa. Rewinding to the 2017 edition hosted in England, cricket enthusiasts will remember Pakistan’s triumphant victory over India in the thrilling finals.
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