Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering three options for the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The tournament is set to commence in February 2025.According to sources, the ICC is exploring the following options:1. Hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned: This would mark Pakistan's first major ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.2. Hybrid model: Under this scenario, matches involving India and the knockout stages would be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan.3. Hosting the tournament outside Pakistan: If this option is chosen, potential hosts include Dubai, Sri Lanka, or South Africa.Pakistan has not hosted any major ICC events since the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. The 2011 Champions Trophy was subsequently moved to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, but Pakistan has visited India on three occasions since then: for a white-ball series in 2012-13, the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, and the 2023 ODI World Cup.The ICC's decision on the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be made in the coming months.

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.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 be held entirely in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The PCB has rejected the idea of a hybrid model, where India's matches would be played at neutral venues, as was done for the Asia Cup 2023.The PCB's proposal includes hosting matches in three major Pakistani cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Karachi will host the tournament opener and a semifinal, while Lahore will host the final and at least seven other matches. Rawalpindi will host at least five matches, including a semifinal.The PCB has expressed confidence in its preparations for the tournament, with ICC officials reportedly satisfied with the arrangements during a recent visit. However, the PCB's stance against a hybrid model is likely to face resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The BCCI had previously suggested a hybrid model, with India's matches being played outside of Pakistan due to security concerns. The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.The PCB has proposed a compromise, suggesting that India's matches could be played exclusively in Lahore, which is close to the Wagah Border crossing. This would minimize logistical and security challenges for the Indian team.The decision on whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan will ultimately be made by the Indian government. The government has been opposed to the cricket team crossing the border due to Pakistan's alleged involvement in supporting terrorism within India's borders.If India does not participate, it would be a major blow to the tournament and to Pakistan's hopes of hosting a successful international cricket event. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy would be the first time Pakistan has been the sole host of a major international cricket event.