With each passing day, a fresh report on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan, is doing the rounds. While there were initial murmurs of India ready to travel, BCCI vice-president later clarified that no such decision on the tournament had yet been made. Now a report in The Express Tribune claims that the ICC might hold Team India’s matches for the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
The entire issue has emerged since BCCI and India have shown reluctance in travelling to Pakistan, and haven’t toured the neighbouring country in 16 years now. The last time India went there was for the Asia Cup 2008.
Champions Trophy Discussions at ICC’s Annual Conference
Meanwhile, a final decision from the ICC would only made at its annual conference in Colombo from July 19-22. The report further suggested that a ‘contingency budget’ is also being considered for the tournament, if the matches are shifted out of Pakistan, with Dubai emerging as a likely venue.
So in that case, the matches will be split between Karachi and Dubai, to make travelling easier. Lahore and Rawalpindi are also being considered.
Pakistan’s Loss
Last year, during the Asia Cup also, Team India had refused to travel to Pakistan, and their matches were hosted by Sri Lanka. If the hybrid model is followed at the Champions Trophy as well, then Pakistan could suffer losses in revenue. Moreover, if India goes further in the tournament, then the semis and finals could also be moved out of Pakistan.
Apart from that, it is being widely reported, that once again India and Pakistan will be kept in the same group, Group A. It will also have New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B will comprise of Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan.
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