The Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan looks to be in trouble, as recent reports indicate potential issues. Recently, it came to light that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI, in recent talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board and ICC, cited security concerns as the main reason behind this decision.
Also, in the latest development, the ICC has cancelled a key event related to the Champions Trophy. According to Cricbuzz, the event where the ICC was set to announce the Champions Trophy schedule was cancelled after the BCCI informed the ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan.
The top eight teams set to compete in the Champions Trophy are expected to play from February 19 to March 9, with matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, the reluctance from the Indian camp has come as a shock for the Pakistan Cricket Board. It is important to note that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and Pakistan has not hosted an ICC event since 1996. Now, the chances of hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy look slim.
So, what will happen if the ICC and PCB decide to consider a hybrid model? Which venues might they look to? See three venues the ICC could prefer if Pakistan accepts a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Venues ICC could prefer for Champions Trophy
Sri Lanka
If the Indian cricket team is given the choice to pick a venue, Sri Lanka could be a top option. Sri Lanka has been a favourite venue for India, as Indian players seem to gel well with the conditions there, and the results have often favoured them. In the 2023 Asia Cup, which was a 50-over tournament, India emerged victorious. Sri Lanka also hosted the Nidahas Trophy, which worked out well for India.
For the 2023 Asia Cup, Pakistan was initially set to host, but about a month before the event, that possibility diminished. Sri Lanka was then chosen to host some games. Out of the 13 games, 9 were held in Sri Lanka, and 4 in Pakistan.
UAE
For the BCCI, the UAE has always been a favourable venue, especially due to its connectivity with India, particularly from Mumbai. This could be one of the options for the ICC to see for Champions Trophy.
In terms of performance, the Men in Blue have had mixed results in the UAE. India played many ODIs, especially in Sharjah, during the 1980s and 1990s. However, after controversies arose at the venue, including off-field activities and match-fixing issues, crucial matches began to shift to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Men in Blue have played a total of 36 ODIs in the UAE, winning 30 and losing 6.
As mentioned, it has been a favourite venue for the BCCI, with many IPL matches held there and even the IPL auction taking place there. For the Pakistan cricket team, the UAE serves as a second home, where they have practiced and played numerous matches. This location could be a mutual choice for both boards for the Champions Trophy 2025.
England
England could be a debatable choice, but for the Pakistan team, it could be a beneficial venue, as they achieved great results there in the 2017 Champions Trophy, which they won against India. The conditions in England are generally suitable for Pakistan, and India also has a strong familiarity with the venues, having played numerous Test and white-ball games there. This surely provides ICC an out-of-the-box option to host the Champions Trophy event in England.
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