Now, in a latest, the ICC has come under pressure from the broadcasters to release the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, that was expected to be out earlier this week, as per a report in Pakistan’s The Nation. But doing to the ongoing confusion regarding India’s participation, and whether the Hybrid Model will be followed, the schedule has not come out.
Champions Trophy Schedule?
India, as per various reports, has clarified its stand, that the team will not go to Pakistan, to ICC as well as PCB. Since then, speculations are rife, that Pakistan also isn’t no mood to agree to hosting India matches in the UAE. The broadcasters seem to have bagged the rights for all ICC events till 2027 in $3 billion deal, are seem to be worried, as IND vs PAK clash could be in danger, which generates the maximum viewership across all teams.
The announcement of the schedule will help the broadcasters to create promotion and marketing strategies for the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, the decision for BCCI doesn’t come as a big surprise, as the clearance for the government isn’t possible. Right now, it isn’t clear whether the ICC will bow down to India’s demand or not, but for commercial reasons, the participatin of Rohit Sharma and Co. is a must.
IND vs PAK or BCCI vs PCB
There were unconfirmed reports suggesting, a third nation might also get the nod — maybe South Africa, to host the Champions Trophy, in case IND and Pakistan, both don’t agree. Amidst all this, ex-Pakistani cricketers have been targeting the BCCI for expressing their inability to come to Pakistan, citing security concerns.
It is to be noted that India will play host to next year’s Asia Cup 2025, and there are suggestions already to boycott that tournament. Some ex-players have also suggested, that both India and Pakistan should not be given any hosting rights.