New Delhi [India]: South Africa and the United Arab Emirates are the frontrunners to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if Pakistan pulls out at the last minute, according to sources.
On Sunday, Pakistani media reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board in writing that India would not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing security concerns.
Without Pakistan’s participation, the ICC may face contractual issues with broadcasters and sponsors who expect both teams to compete in high-profile matches. This could lead to legal disputes with commercial partners, a drop in revenue, and a decrease in the ICC’s financial distribution to member nations.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pushing for India to travel to Pakistan, citing India’s participation in the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in India.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a hybrid model for the tournament, with India’s matches held in a neutral location, possibly culminating in the final at Dubai International Stadium in the UAE. However, the PCB has opposed this suggestion.
There is a strong possibility that the venue for the mega event could be changed if both boards fail to reach an agreement.
Due to strained political relations between the two nations, India has not traveled to Pakistan since 2008, when they played the Asia Cup there. The last bilateral series between the arch-rivals took place in India in 2012-13, a white-ball series, with the two sides now primarily meeting in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
India has firmly maintained its position of not traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Earlier this year, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla emphasized that India would only travel to Pakistan if permitted by the Government of India.
It’s worth noting that last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup, but the tournament was held in a hybrid model. India played its matches in Sri Lanka, while the remaining games were hosted in Pakistan.
