ICC Champions Trophy 2025 future in doubt? PCB chief gives a stunning update after ICC meeting

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy in 2025. Mohsin Naqvi’s statement comes amid speculation about potentially relocating the event due to the Indian cricket team’s reluctance to tour Pakistan.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted Pakistan hosting rights for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy in 2025. The tournament will feature the top eight teams from the ICC World Cup 2023, including the host nation, the Pakistan cricket team.

Champions Trophy Will Be Beld In Pakistan – Mohsin Naqvi

PCB Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made a significant announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter), confirming that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy in 2025, dispelling uncertainties about the tournament’s location.

“I attended the ICC meeting in Dubai, and God willing, the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan in February 2025.”

Pakistan firmly asserted its position, with Naqvi stating that all Champions Trophy matches will be played in Pakistan. It is worth mentioning that teams, except for India, have participated in recent matches in Pakistan without encountering security problems.

Since 2008, Pakistan hasn’t hosted any tournaments, but they’ve demonstrated their capability by successfully hosting teams from various countries. Their track record of safely conducting matches on home soil strengthens their case for hosting future tournaments.

Pakistan To Play Five Match T20I Series vs New Zealand In April

Pakistan’s upcoming cricket schedule includes a five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home starting on April 18 in Rawalpindi, followed by a four-match T20I series in England. The Men in Green will then participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.

The PCB has been actively working on selecting the coaching staff for the team. Shane Watson was a top contender for the head coach role. However, due to personal commitments and pre-planned family engagements, Watson had to withdraw from consideration.

Will Indian Travel To Pakistan For ICC Champions Trophy?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has voiced its reluctance to cross the border due to the complex relationship between India and Pakistan. They have stated numerous times that government approval is essential for any potential matches in Pakistan.

The Men in Blue last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. They were scheduled to play in Pakistan for the 2023 edition. However, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) adopted a hybrid model, and India played all their matches in Sri Lanka instead of traveling to Pakistan.

Pakistan participated in various cricket events in India, including a bilateral series in 2012-13, the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup, and the 2023 ODI World Cup, during the specified period.

“Every member can raise concerns for discussion at Board meetings and then it would go to a vote. But if the government (of a member nation) expressly say that they can’t play there, ICC would need to look for an alternative,” a veteran administrator, who has attended multiple board meetings, told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“….because ICC Board’s position remains that it doesn’t expect its members to go against any policy/instructions issued by its own government,” he added.

Also read: Pakistan to host New Zealand, South Africa in tri-series ahead of Champions Trophy 2025