Recent reports suggest that the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy, a significant multilateral One-Day International (ODI) cricket tournament, may be relocated from Pakistan or held under a hybrid model.
The tournament might be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), or an Asia Cup-like hybrid model could be adopted, with matches played in both Pakistan and another country. While Pakistan is currently set to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, speculations arise due to concerns that India may choose not to send its national team to Pakistan, citing political and security reasons.
The Asia Cup faced a similar situation recently when it was initially scheduled in Pakistan. However, India’s decision not to send its team to Pakistan led to the tournament being held under a hybrid model in Sri Lanka, with only four matches taking place in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize the hosting rights agreements for the Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB emphasizes that if India refuses to travel to Pakistan, citing political and security reasons, the ICC should avoid making unilateral decisions and instead appoint an independent security agency.
This agency would work with the Pakistan government and security officials to assess the security situation for all participating teams, including India. The PCB also asserts that if India’s matches are moved to another country, the ICC should compensate Pakistan for any such changes. Pakistani officials reportedly highlighted that several top teams have toured Pakistan in recent years without encountering security concerns.