There is uncertainty surrounding the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February or March next year. A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to visit Pakistan to assess the situation before the upcoming tournament.
The scheduling conflict for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan continues. The BCCI refused to send Team India to Pakistan due to security concerns advised by the Indian government. Pakistan has rejected the proposed hybrid model, which would have allowed India to play its matches at a neutral venue.
ICC Delegation Set to Visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025
According to a report by Geo TV, an ICC delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon. However, the exact dates are yet to be finalized regarding its delegation’s visit. It has been reported that no official communication has been made between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the visit.
“The ICC delegation may arrive in the country in the early phase of the next week, while the final date is yet to confirmed,” a source close to the apex cricketing body told on Thursday.
“Meanwhile, a discussion is also expected to take place today between the cricket governing body and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),” sources added.
Announcement of the Champions Trophy Schedule Possible Only for This Reason
The schedule for the upcoming marquee tournament is likely to be delayed. Notably, the PCB has opposed the hybrid model and threatened to boycott all of Team India’s matches if the BCCI does not send the cricket team to Pakistan. The schedule is unlikely to be released in the next 24 hours as planned.
Furthermore, the mega tournament broadcasters, who were expecting to feature Pakistan-India matches due to their high viewership and revenue potential, have rejected a schedule that does not include these games. They have also threatened legal action if the ICC does not meet their demands.
“The announcement of the schedule would be possible in a couple of days if the stakeholders show some flexibility,” sources further shared.
Stakeholders are in favor of organizing the event with mutual agreement. The ICC is working to find a resolution before BCCI Secretary Jay Shah assumes the role of ICC Chairman on December 1.
Champions Trophy Set to Be Played in February-March
India last visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008. The two teams last played a bilateral series in the 2012-13 season when Pakistan visited India for an ODI and T20I series. They have faced each other in various ICC events and Asia Cups, with their most recent encounter in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to take place in February and March next year. The tournament will follow an ODI format with the top eight teams in 50-over cricket. This is the first time Pakistan will host an ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
Also read: ‘He’s feeling very…’: Virat Kohli’s mental state after NZ disaster revealed ahead of BGT
