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 talks continue, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces an uphill battle to find common ground between India and Pakistan. With the BCCI adamant not to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, they proposed a hybrid model for their tournament matches.
Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as India remain steadfast in their stance
BCCI is said to want India’s matches to be played in Dubai while the rest of the matches are in Pakistan. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to officially approve this arrangement, which casts further doubt over the future of the Champions Trophy 2025.
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The situation has sparked debate over Pakistan’s ability to retain its hosting rights, with critics questioning the preparations for the eight-nation competition and the ICC’s delay in making strong 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 has made it clear that the BCCI will not be sending the Men in Blue to Pakistan and will explore alternatives while remaining steadfast in their stance.
We can’t send players to Pakistan: Rajeev Shukla
Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by PTI, “We (BCCI) prefer a hybrid model. But as the ICC president is already taking care of it and is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board, we hope for an amicable solution with both nations (India and Pakistan) agreeing 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’re looking for a middle ground to sort things out.”
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 2025 Champions Trophy is likely to be held in Dubai, UAE.
Reports also suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may not receive any compensation, which is surprising given their heavy investment in refurbishing famous grounds for next year’s mega event. Notably, the Champions Trophy is set to return after a seven-year hiatus.
Pakistan enter the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten 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 were bundled out for just 158 runs in the final against Pakistan.
