The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is now in jeopardy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), after failing to secure clearance from the Indian government, has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not travel to Pakistan for the event.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the official host, has firmly rejected the idea of a hybrid model where India’s matches are played at a neutral venue. The PCB has also sent a letter to the ICC, requesting written confirmation of both the ICC and BCCI’s positions on the matter.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, with encounters between the two nations limited to ICC and Asian Cricket Council events. The 2023 Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, adopted a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka.
If the PCB maintains its hardline stance and the Champions Trophy is affected, the board could face significant financial consequences, including potential ICC sanctions. Should the PCB withdraw, its ICC funding could be severely cut, and any relocation or postponement of the tournament could result in a loss of approximately USD 65 million in host fees. The PCB recently upgraded three venues—Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—specifically for the Champions Trophy, meaning any financial setback would be even more damaging.
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The PCB has reassured the ICC that security in Pakistan is not a concern, citing successful hosting of England and New Zealand tours, and promised the same level of security for the Champions Trophy. Despite this, they remain resolute in their opposition to a hybrid model, as seen in last year’s Asia Cup when India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka.
The ICC has yet to respond to the PCB, but discussions with the participating teams about the tournament’s schedule are ongoing. News agency PTI reports that the PCB is also reluctant to host the event outside Pakistan, including in the UAE.
Additionally, the tournament’s launch event, which was set to take place in Lahore, has now been delayed. Originally planned following the ICC management’s briefing to the ICC CEC and Board on 21st October in Dubai, the event is now on hold, according to an ICC insider.
