Another BCCI vs PCB battle is up on the cards. Pakistan are hosts the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but arch-rivals India are unwilling to travel to Pakistan for the mega event. With India and Pakistan being fierce rivals and the ongoing geo-political rivalry, the Men in Blue are unlikely to travel to Pakistan to play in the tournament.
Just a couple of months ago, the BCCI vs PCB fight was in full swing as India denied traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Pakistan was the host of the tournament, but with India posing a big roadblock, the ACC was forced to change the format of the tournament. As a result, the tournament was held in a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting 4 matches and the remaining games in Sri Lanka.
India played all their matches in Sri Lanka and ended up being crowned competition champions. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, PCB went on the aggressive front before folding down in front of the BCCI. The PCB went on to claim that they won’t travel to India for the ICC World Cup 2023 if India doesn’t travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.
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Where will ICC Champions Trophy 2025 be held?
Originally and as per the schedule, Pakistan is the host of the tournament. But with BCCI not permitting the Men in Blue and the Indian government not allowing the team to travel to their neighbors, it will be a big task for the ICC to choose a neutral venue. Under such a situation, Sri Lanka and UAE are the best bet for the apex cricket body of the World to host the tournament.
For the Men in Blue, they last won the tournament back in 2013, and the defending champions are Pakistan who last won in 2017 after beating India by 180 runs. The 2029 edition of the Champions Trophy is however slated to take place in India.
ICC confirms, Top 7 sides in Cricket World Cup to qualify for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
Top 7 from ICC World Cup qualifies for Champions Trophy
“Qualification for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is the host (Pakistan) plus the top seven teams in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 table at the conclusion of the event. This was approved by the ICC Board in November 2021”, an ICC spokesperson was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo.
As a result, each of the teams who even fail to make it to the semi-finals will focus on finishing within the top 8 to automatically get their chance in the tournament.
