Another twist in the tale. Pakistan could lose their status as host of the Champions Trophy 2025. Following confirmation that the Indian cricket team won’t travel to Pakistan for the event, the International Cricket Council (ICC) wants the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to adopt a hybrid model. The idea has been suggested for months now, and the ICC wants PCB to schedule Team India’s matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
South Africa to host Champions Trophy?
According to SportsTak, if the PCB doesn’t agree, the ICC would snatch Pakistan’s hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, and South Africa would host the 8-team event in February-March. Previously, reports had also suggested that Pakistan would withdraw from the tournament if not allowed to host the event in its entirety at home.
PCB were the host of the 2023 Asia Cup last year, but due to Team India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, the majority of the event was shifted to Sri Lanka. The PCB had also expressed sternly that they’d host the event in a hybrid model, but it seems like the ICC has left them with no options. It’s either hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 with the UAE or losing their rights for the tournament.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Proposed schedule
- February 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Karachi
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India – Lahore
- February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs England – Lahore
- February 23: New Zealand vs India – Lahore
- February 24: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi
- February 25: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore
- February 26: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi
- February 27: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Lahore
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Rawalpindi
- March 1: Pakistan vs India – Lahore
- March 2: South Africa vs England – Rawalpindi
- March 5 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Karachi
- March 6 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Rawalpindi
- March 9 Final: TBC vs TBC – Lahore
