The upcoming edition of Champions Trophy 2025 which is currently set to be hosted in Pakistan has been the talk of the cricketing world. There is a lot of news around the hosting of the mega tournament and the potential model it is played in. As per the most recent development, the cricket's top governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely looking out for other options for hosting the marquee event which is scheduled to played early next year.
ICC looking for other options
The ICC is likely looking for three alternatives for the Champions Trophy, which is set for early next year. Pakistan has the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, but the ICC is still considering its possibilities and has set aside three budgets for three distinct models.
- Full Champions Trophy in Pakistan
- Hybrid: Pakistan and Dubai (India games, SF and Finals)
- Entire Champions Trophy outside of Pakistan - in Dubai, Lanka or South Africa
Dubai, Sri Lanka and South Africa are the three front-running prospects that can host the mega tournament in case it is hosted outside Pakistan.
The Indian Government has not given the green signal to BCCI to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the mega event. However, the chances are almost next to none that there is a change in this decision and that is why ICC is also working realistically on the last two options.
The first one is hosting the tournament in a hybrid model, where all of India's matches are hosted on a secondary venue alongside the semi-final and final if the Men in Blue side qualifies. The second option is completely moving it out of Pakistan altogether. However, Pakistan Cricket Board though will retain tournament rights wherever it is played.
