A lot is happening currently when it comes to the ICC Champions Trophy. The 2017 CT champions were awarded the CT 2025 hosting rights three years ago. However, as the days approach their hosting chances, facing many difficulties, especially since the BCCI has said no to sending Indian players to Pakistan. This CT venue issue is currently grabbing attention, and to solve these questions, the ICC is doing whatever they can. Adding to this, they have announced a meeting on the 29th November, and according to reports, the venue will be a key discussion topic. The meeting will include 12 full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair, totalling 16 votes. All these people will decide where the Champions Trophy will be hosted. But if we look at the reports coming in, the chances of Pakistan hosting the CT are slowly and steadily hitting rough waters. So, we assume that if the CT doesn’t happen in Pakistan, what could be expected? What are the venues that the ICC could prefer? See three possible venues the ICC could consider if the Champions Trophy pulls out of Pakistan.
Venues ICC could prefer for Champions Trophy
Sri Lanka
Now, the first venue that could be the ICC’s favorite, if they are looking for subcontinent conditions, is Sri Lanka. It could be a top choice. This country has been a favorite venue for both India and Pakistan. Even in the 2023 Asia Cup, which was initially set to be hosted fully by Pakistan but later tournament adopted a hybrid model, Sri Lanka hosted most of the matches. Out of the 13 games, 9 were held in Sri Lanka and 4 in Pakistan, now for CT as well, if things do not go well with Pakistan, this country is a strong contender to host the tournament.
UAE
Whether it’s for BCCI, PCB, or even for the higher authority, ICC, UAE is the best place to host any important tournament. It has already hosted numerous cricket events in the past, and it is not new to the cricketing world. This could be one of the options for the ICC to consider for the Champions Trophy. Also, for both teams, UAE has provided good surfaces to date. What’s interesting is that Pakistan also have a better record on UAE surfaces, whether it’s in the past or in recent times. The Men in Blue have had mixed results in the UAE. India has played many ODIs, especially in Sharjah, during the 1980s and 1990s, having played a total of 36 ODIs in the UAE, winning 30 and losing 6.
India
Can we expect some out-of-the-box venues? Since the BCCI has a strong influence on the cricketing circuit, there should be no surprise if some matches are held on Indian soil. Although in that scenario, Pakistan may look to pull out of the tournament, and it doesn’t seem like a real option for now, but for India matches, it could become a good option if the BCCI is looking for a concrete venue.
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