Pakistan's hosting rights for Champions Trophy 2025 cast into doubt
Asher Butt
Pakistan's hosting rights for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 are facing significant challenges due to India's reluctance to participate in the tournament. The ongoing political tensions and security concerns between the two nations have raised doubts about India's willingness to send its national team to Pakistan, mirroring the situation that arose during the 2022 Asia Cup.
As discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC executive board in Ahmedabad continue, Pakistani officials have expressed their concerns, highlighting the potential for India to refuse participation and emphasizing the need for a cautious approach in making decisions about the tournament's venue.
The PCB has emphasized that Pakistan has hosted several top teams, including England, New Zealand, and Australia, in recent years without any security incidents. In response to India's security concerns, the PCB has proposed an independent agency conduct a thorough assessment of the situation in consultation with Pakistani authorities.
If India decides to opt out of the tournament and matches are relocated, the PCB has urged the ICC to compensate Pakistan for any financial losses incurred.
The 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled for February and March 2025, is set to feature eight of the top-ranked One Day International (ODI) men's national teams. Pakistan, the current titleholder, was awarded hosting rights after securing victory in the previous edition held in 2017.
With the tournament's fate hanging in the balance, the PCB and ICC are actively exploring alternative options, including the possibility of shifting the tournament to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or adopting an Asia Cup-like hybrid model with matches scheduled in both Pakistan and the UAE.
The decision regarding the tournament's venue and India's participation is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, ensuring clarity for the teams and fans alike.
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