There has been a report circulating on social media and even posted by various media outlets that arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be clashing against each other three times in the upcoming edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which is currently set to be hosted by Pakistan. However, this news is not right as the report for these three potential matches will be played in Asia Cup 2025. India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are all set to host the 2025 Asia Cup men's edition, which will be played in the T20I format. Team India is the Asia Cup's defending champion, having defeated Sri Lanka in the 2023 Colombo final. India last had the hosting rights of the Asia Cup over thirty years back when the fourth edition of the competition was held in 1990-91. The Men in Blue had crushed Sri Lanka in the Final to retain the title.
BCCI's stand on Champions Trophy
Regarding the Champions Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unlikely to send its team to Pakistan. They are considering a hybrid model, similar to the one used for last year's Asia Cup. This model would involve holding some matches in Pakistan while India’s games are played at neutral venues. According to PTI, the ICC has approved a budget of approximately USD 70 million for the tournament. This budget was reviewed and sanctioned by the ICC’s financial and commercial committee, chaired by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. The budget was a collaborative effort between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ICC finance department.
"The approximate budget is around USD 70 million and only USD 4.5 million has been allocated as additional expenses," a source told PTI.
The fund allocations have led to speculations that the reserve fund will be used if India decline to tour Pakistan. An additional budget to host Indian matches and the knockouts in neutral venues would be needed and thus the reserve fund will come into play. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has adopted the policy of staying silent and has also advised his other officials to do the same regarding this issue further looking at ICC to convince India to tour Pakistan. The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be played in February
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