The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is under threat as tensions rise over India’s firm decision not to travel to Pakistan due to 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 the cloud of uncertainty.
As discussions continue, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces an uphill battle to find common ground between India and Pakistan. With the BCCI 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 stands firm on its stance
It is being said that the BCCI wants India’s matches to be held in Dubai while the remaining games take place in Pakistan. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to officially approve this arrangement, which further casts doubt on the future of the Champions Trophy 2025.
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The situation sparked debates over 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 strong decisions. The schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 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 out players to Pakistan: Rajeev Shukla
Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by PTI: “We [BCCI] prefer a hybrid model. But as the ICC chairman is already looking after it and is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board, we hope for an amicable solution with both nations [India and Pakistan] agreeing to it without any bitterness.
The BCCI vice president added, “The focus is majorly on our players’ safety, and hence we cannot send them to Pakistan. We are looking for a middle ground to sort things out.”
India and Pakistan set to play in neutral venues
On the other hand, a PTI report suggested that neither India nor Pakistan will travel to each other’s country for the ICC events in the future. It is also being said that the India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy is likely to take place in Dubai, UAE.
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Reports also suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may not receive any compensation, which is surprising given their significant investment in renovating famous stadiums for next year’s mega event. Notably, the Champions Trophy is set to return after a seven-year hiatus.
Pakistan is entering into the tournament as the defending champions, having defeated India by 180 runs to clinch the title at The Oval back in 2017. Chasing 339 runs for the victory, the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team was bundled out for just 158 runs in the final against Pakistan.
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