The hullabaloo around Champions Trophy 2025 is only growing, especially after India's firm stance to not travel to Pakistan for the showpiece tournament and their insistence on a hybrid model, where they would play their matches in Dubai. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, has remained firm on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan despite knowing India's stand.
India to host Champions Trophy 2025?
Meanwhile, in an explosive development Sports Tak has learnt that PCB may resort to drastic measures, including withdrawing from the tournament and refusing to play against India in any international event. Such a move could potentially lead to the entire tournament being shifted out of Pakistan.
While South Africa was initially considered a potential host for the Champions Trophy, recent reports suggest that it has been ruled out due to scheduling conflicts with the SA20 cricket league. The tournament's conclusion just days before the Champions Trophy would leave the pitches in suboptimal condition.
In light of this development, India has emerged as a strong contender to host the tournament if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the Champions Trophy 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly exploring the possibility of hosting the event on Indian soil.
The BCCI has reportedly prepared a detailed dossier outlining their security concerns as the reason for India's withdrawal from the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. This response is in response to the ICC's request for clarification regarding India's decision.
India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to the strained political relations between the two countries following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The 2025 Champions Trophy was set to be the first ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan in 29 years, with the 1996 Cricket World Cup being the last major ICC event held in the country. But with the growing uncertainty, it looks unlikely that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy.
While the BCCI and ICC had proposed a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue, the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has rejected this proposal. PCB will have to bear a loss of almost $65 million (Rs 548.61 crore) if Champions Trophy 2025 ends up moving out of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, according to the proposed schedule by Pakistan, the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9. Eight teams - Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa - will participate in the tournament. The teams will be divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will conclude with a final match.
