ICC Important Announcement: Champions Trophy 2025 which was supposed to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will likely be played at a neutral venue amid India's take on not sending players to the neighbouring nation for the marquee event citing players' safety. Team India last travelled to Pakistan during 2008 Asia Cup under MS Dhoni's leadership.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) have reportedly prepared three budgets for the Champions Trophy they are exploring options.
As per Sports Tak sources, The Champions Trophy hosting rights are with Pakistan but the ICC is still exploring options and has accordingly, prepared three budgets for three different models.
The Indian Govt hasn't yet cleared BCCI to travel to Pakistan; chances are almost nil so the ICC is also working realistically on the last two options - Hybrid and moving it out of Pakistan altogether
There are chances that the Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid model where Dubai will be enter as co-hosts. All India-centric matches will be played in Dubai and if Men in Blue manage to qualify for the semifinal and final they will also be played at a neutral venue.
If not Pakistan then who will host the Champions Trophy?
If the Champions Trophy shifted to a neutral venue then South Africa, Sri Lanka and Dubai will be the ideal choice for ICC to host the marquee event. However, there is a relief for PCB as they will retain tournament rights wherever it is played.
Earlier, Pakistan were the host of the Asia Cup 2023 and because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) take on not send the team to the neighbouring nation the tournament was played in a hybrid model where all India-centric matches were played in Sri Lanka.
The source further added that the precise clarity on Champions Trophy will be given in November. Jay Shah is to take over as ICC Chairman on December 1.
