The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is under threat as tensions rise over India’s firm decision not to travel to Pakistan over security concerns. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that they will play the tournament under a hybrid model, leaving Pakistan’s hosting rights under a cloud of uncertainty.
As discussions continue, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces an uphill battle to find common ground between India and Pakistan. As the BCCI was adamant about not sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, they proposed a hybrid model for their matches in the tournament.
Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as India remains firm in its stance
The BCCI is said to want India’s matches to be held in Dubai while the remaining matches are held in Pakistan. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to officially approve this deal, casting even more doubt on the future of the Champions Trophy 2025.
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The situation sparked debates about Pakistan’s ability to retain its hosting rights, with critics questioning the preparation for the eight-nation competition and the ICC’s delay in making firm decisions. The schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be announced on Monday, but it remains uncertain whether India and Pakistan will reach an agreement in time.
Adding to the tension, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reiterated India’s focus on player safety and its preference for the hybrid model. Rajeev Shukla made it clear that the BCCI will not send the Men in Blue to Pakistan and they will explore alternatives while remaining firm on their stance.
We cannot send players to Pakistan: Rajeev Shukla
Rajeev Shukla was quoted by PTI: “We [BCCI] I prefer a hybrid model. But as the ICC president is already taking up the matter and is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board, we hope for an amicable solution with both the nations. [India and Pakistan] accepting it without any bitterness.
The BCCI vice-president added: “The focus is mainly on the safety of our players and hence we cannot send them to Pakistan. “We are looking for a middle ground to fix things.”
India and Pakistan will play at neutral venues
On the other hand, a PTI report suggested that neither India nor Pakistan will travel to each other’s country for ICC events in the future. It is also said that the India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Reports also suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may not receive any compensation, which is surprising given its significant investment in renovating famous stadiums for next year’s mega event. Notably, the Champions Trophy will return after a seven-year hiatus.
Pakistan enters the tournament as defending champions, having defeated India by 180 runs to clinch the title at The Oval in 2017. Chasing 339 runs for victory, the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team was bowled out for just 158 runs . in the final against Pakistan.