BCCI Declines Pakistan's Venue Proposal for ICC Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan in 2025, faces uncertainty as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly declines to travel to the country for the tournament. Pakistan had designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches, hoping to alleviate security concerns. However, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, suggesting Dubai or Sri Lanka as alternative venues.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be compelled to accept India's demands, as the Indian team could withdraw from the tournament if all matches are held in Pakistan. The Indian government's approval for travel to Pakistan is highly unlikely. If India withdraws, Sri Lanka, ranked ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings, will replace them.

Last year, Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 was thwarted by the Indian government's refusal to allow the team to travel. The matches were subsequently shifted to Sri Lanka. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two teams only face each other at ICC or ACC events.

In their most recent encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, India emerged victorious by six runs in the group stage, eventually claiming their second title. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Pakistan's first time hosting a major international cricket tournament independently. Previously, Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, and the Reliance Cup with India in 1987.

Tags: #ICCChampionsTrophy, #PakistanCricket, #BCCI, #SecurityConcerns, #HybridModel