Champions Trophy 2025 to be shifted to South Africa if PCB doesn't agree to ICC's suggestion

Pakistan is unlikely to host the entirety of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as India has refused to travel to Pakistan.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 12 Nov 2024

Babar Azam

Highlights:

PCB has a few options in front of them after India's refusal to travel to Pakistan.

UAE will be the first choice for India's games if hybrid model is adopted.

In the aftermath of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refusing to travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) face a dilemma. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is adamant on hosting the entirety of the tournament in the country but it may not be a possibility. However, he may have to reconsider as Pakistan may end up losing the hosting rights of the mega event.

International Cricket Board (ICC) has asked PCB to adopt a hybrid model with India's matches to be played in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sports Tak has learned that if PCB doesn't agree to a hybrid model, the tournament will be shifted to South Africa in its entirety.

Earlier, it was reported that PCB is in conversation with Pakistan government on the next course of action.

If PCB agree, this will not be the first time a multi-team tournament will be played in a hybrid model. PCB adopted a hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023 as well. India played their matches in Sri Lanka and ended up winning the tournament.

Last week, Naqvi denied any reports of a discussion over hybrid model.

“Till today, no one has discussed any ‘Hybrid Model’ with us nor are we willing to talk about it. But we have been showing good gestures for the last few years and no one should expect us to do it all the time,” Naqvi told the reporters at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

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“I will take anything written to the government and whatever decision they take we have to follow them,” Naqvi added.

Amidst uncertainty over the hosts of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the ICC cancelled a key event in Lahore to announce the schedule for the tournament. The schedule of an ICC event is usually announced 100 days in advance. However, the schedule for ICC Champions Trophy is yet to be announced.

Former cricketer wants two points for Pakistan if hybrid model is adopted

Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali wants ICC to award Pakistan two points in case of a hybrid model as they are likely to be in the same pool. He recalled what happened in 1996 World Cup when West Indies and Australia refused to play their matches in Sri Lanka due to security reasons.