Pakistan To Host Champions Trophy 2025 Even If India Decides Not To Travel - Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed optimism about finalizing the agreement for hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025. The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the hosting rights to Pakistan, and formal agreements are expected to be signed soon.

The Champions Trophy in 2025 will feature only eight teams, and the teams from the ICC World Cup 2023, including hosts Pakistan, qualified for the tournament. Sri Lanka and the Netherlands didn’t qualify as they finished in the last two places in the recent World Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board Makes Their Stance Clear – Report

Pakistan made their stance clear, and the ICC should avoid making unilateral decisions if any country decides not to send a team due to security concerns. Instead, the board suggested that an independent security agency collaborate on a thorough assessment.

All teams, except India, have recently played in Pakistan without any security issues. The proposal suggests that all matches of the Champions Trophy should be held in Pakistan unless there is a genuine security concern validated by an independent security agency.

India Unlikely To Travel Pakistan For Champions Trophy 2025

According to the latest Cricket Pakistan report, the Indian government is unlikely to permit the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan in the current circumstances. The board recognizes the political nature of this issue and anticipates resolution at the government level.

The report further mentioned that the board is considering alternative solutions if India decides not to send its team, including relocating India’s matches to neutral venues. The report also highlighted the importance of ensuring full compensation for financial losses.

The previous PCB management committee raised objections based on ICC documents and sought legal advice regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Despite visits by ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice to Pakistan in May, a resolution to the matter wasn’t reached. The current board is seeking assurance and anticipates signing contracts next month pending the resolution of financial and other matters.

The PCB successfully organized the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. In the event that the Indian team opts out of the Champions Trophy, a similar approach might be considered, although it would come with a significant increase in expenses.

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