ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Hybrid Model? This country emerges as Pakistan's backup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly confirmed the dates for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan. A total of eight of the top international teams will compete for the coveted trophy in the Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 to March 9 next year.

The Champions Trophy was last played in England in 2017, where Pakistan emerged victorious in the final. Wicketkeeper-batter Sarfraz Ahmed led the Pakistan cricket team to defeat the Indian cricket team in the summit clash, securing their first-ever Champions Trophy at The Oval in England in the 2017 season.

Exact Match Days Have Not Yet Been Finalized - Report

As per Cricbuzz, the ICC has informed member boards about the tentative dates for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The tournament will be played in a 20-day window, while the schedule is yet to be finalized. The tournament will commence on February 19, and the final match will be played on March 9.

"While the exact match days for the Champions Trophy 2025 have not yet been finalized, the schedule will be fitted within this 20-day period. Initially, it was thought that the tournament would start on a Friday and conclude on a Sunday. According to the disclosed window, however, February 19 is a Wednesday and March 9 is a Sunday," a report by Cricbuzz said.

"The 2017 edition had a 19-day window, with the tournament starting on a Thursday (June 1) and concluding on a Sunday (June 18). The tentative dates of the Champions Trophy have apparently been shared with the member boards so that they can adjust their league schedules accordingly," the report added.

The International League T20 announced that its third edition will be played from January 11 to February 9. Cricket South Africa's SA20 season will run from January 9 to February 8, as confirmed by League Commissioner Graeme Smith. The cricket teams will plan their Champions Trophy preparations accordingly.

Will India Travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025?

Team India's participation in the tournament is uncertain due to current political tensions between two neighboring nations. A "hybrid model" might be adopted, similar to the recent Asia Cup, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) potentially hosting some matches. However, an official statement from the ICC is pending.

The report further added that it's premature to determine whether the Indian team will visit Pakistan or not. The final decision is expected to be confirmed at the ICC annual conference in Colombo in July. If India travels to Pakistan, matches involving the Men in Blue are likely to be hosted at the sole venue in Lahore.

The BCCI has consistently expressed reluctance to visit Pakistan, emphasizing the need for government approval due to complex bilateral relations. India hasn't visited Pakistan for 16 years, with the last visit being for the Asia Cup in 2008. The bilateral series between India and Pakistan almost ended after 2008.

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