The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is under threat as tension mounts 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 the tournament will be played on a hybrid model, leaving Pakistan's hosting rights under a cloud of uncertainty.
As discussions continue, 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 have proposed a hybrid model for their matches in the tournament.
Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as India stands firm on its stance
Rumor has it that the BCCI wants India's matches to be held in Dubai, while the remaining matches are held in Pakistan. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to officially approve the arrangement, further casting doubt on the future of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
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The situation has sparked debates about 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 firm decisions. The Champions Trophy 2025 schedule is expected to be announced on Monday, but it remains uncertain whether India and Pakistan will reach an agreement in time.
Adding to the tensions, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reiterated India's focus on player safety and its preference for a hybrid model. Rajeev Shukla has made it clear that the BCCI will not send the Men in Blue to Pakistan, and will explore alternatives while remaining firm on their stance.
We can't send players to Pakistan: Rajeev Shukla
Rajeev Shukla was quoted by PTI as saying, “We (BCCI) prefer a hybrid model. But as the ICC chairman 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 to it without any bitterness.
The BCCI vice-president added, “The focus is mainly on the safety of our players and therefore we cannot send them to Pakistan. We're looking for a middle ground to sort things out."
India and Pakistan will play on neutral grounds
On the other hand, a PTI report suggested that neither India nor Pakistan will travel to their respective countries for ICC events in the future. It is also reported that the India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be held in Dubai, UAE.
Reports also suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may not get any compensation, which is surprising given their significant investment in renovating famous stadiums for next year's mega event. In particular, the Champions Trophy should return after a seven-year hiatus.
Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten India by 180 runs to win the title at The Oval in 2017. Chasing 339 runs to win, the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team were bowled out for just 158 runs in the final against Pakistan.
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