As the ICC has not officially announced the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, various talks are being heard about the tournament. Meanwhile, there are reports that India may play their matches in the tournament somewhere else instead of Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is involved in it.
The news of Pakistan hosting next year's Champions Trophy is very old. But the Indian cricket team is not going to tour Pakistan after 2008 citing security reasons. The Champions Trophy is therefore being thought of on a 'hybrid model'. According to a report by Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), PCB is thinking of taking India's matches in Dubai, Sharjah most likely. Pakistan quickly rejected the proposal of this hybrid model. According to a report of the country's media Sama TV, 'Only Pakistan will host the 2025 Champions Trophy. Rumors of India's matches being held in Dubai or Sharjah are baseless. This news has been circulated citing a source.
The Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to get a green signal from the government to tour Pakistan. Therefore, BCCI is still unable to confirm anything about this. But a report by the Pakistani media 'Cricket Pakistan' yesterday revealed that even the BCCI has been pressured by the PCB to seek written permission from the Indian government. Yes or No-any answer should be given in written form by India regarding participation in Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Cricket Pakistan published such a report on the basis of a post made by a Pakistani sports journalist on the X handle.
The ICC, however, cannot force a country's cricket board to go against their government's policy. Meanwhile, PCB is pushing ICC to announce the Champions Trophy schedule soon. A few senior ICC officials may go to Lahore next week. Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi – these three venues have been proposed for the Champions Trophy. The renovation work of the venues is in full swing. The renovation work is expected to be completed by the December 30 deadline. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in the schedule leaked by the British media 'The Telegraph' a few months ago.
Eight teams will play in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Hosts Pakistan are joined by India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Champions Trophy, known as the 'Mini World Cup', was last held in 2017. Pakistan won the title by defeating India by 180 runs in the final at London Oval.
