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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is approaching, with less than 100 days to go, but the venue for the tournament remains uncertain amidst tussle between India and Pakistan. The event is officially scheduled to take place in Pakistan, but the BCCI's recent decision to refuse to play in the country has cast doubt on the tournament's future. While the BCCI's stance was anticipated, their late confirmation has left the PCB frustrated. The situation has escalated into a battle of egos, with the PCB rejecting the BCCI's proposed hybrid model.
The ICC is now faced with the challenge of finding a solution to the ongoing dispute between the BCCI and PCB. With time running out, it seems unlikely that both boards will get their way. The PCB, being the weaker board, may be forced to compromise and accept the BCCI's demands. If a compromise is not reached, all stakeholders could face significant financial losses.
Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments: Shoaib Akhtar on Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, Pakistan's legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his opinion on the matter. He believes that there is still a possibility of India participating in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Akhtar dismissed the idea of India withdrawing from the tournament due to sponsorship commitments and suggested that the BCCI and PCB will find a way to resolve the issue.
"There will be back channel talks. Even in days of war there is back channel talks. We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-96 per cent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India," Shoaib Akhtar said in an as quoted by NDTV.
"It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI. Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be a full circle for him. Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events. I don't think this will happen. Keeping the fingers crossed. Wait till the last moment. I think currently, as of now, India is coming to Pakistan," Akhtar added.
The ICC is expected to announce the schedule for the Champions Trophy in the coming week. The release of the schedule was initially planned for earlier this month, but it was postponed due to the ongoing dispute between the BCCI and PCB regarding the tournament's venue.
