With just three months left until the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, uncertainty looms over the tournament’s venue. India’s firm stance against traveling to Pakistan has left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) adamant about hosting the event entirely within their country.
India last played in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, and diplomatic tensions have since prevented bilateral cricketing ties. Pakistan, hosting its first ICC event in 29 years since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, was previously stripped of hosting rights for the 2008 Champions Trophy and co-hosting the 2011 World Cup due to security concerns.
ICC Advocates Hybrid Model
According to Desk, the ICC is engaging in back-channel discussions with PCB to persuade them to accept a hybrid hosting model. The cricketing body has reportedly emphasized that “no ICC tournament is possible without India taking part in it” and has urged PCB to refrain from making statements against India.
If agreed upon, India would play their matches in the UAE, while other fixtures would remain in Pakistan. The tournament schedule is anticipated shortly, with multiple reports suggesting it will run from February 19-29, 2025. The PCB’s draft reportedly slots India’s matches in Lahore, with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash proposed for March 1.
