Cricket

The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remain at loggerheads over the tournament's venue.The BCCI has refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. The PCB has rejected a "hybrid model" that would see some matches, including India's, played at a neutral ground.Amidst the impasse, speculation has emerged that the tournament could be shifted to India if Pakistan withdraws. A report by Sports Tak claims that discussions within the BCCI have explored this possibility.The report suggests that the ICC could face significant financial penalties if Pakistan pulls out, as the India-Pakistan clash is a major draw for broadcasters. However, the BCCI has not yet made any formal proposal to host the tournament.Cricbuzz has reported that an unnamed "key official" has criticized the ICC for not being more proactive in resolving the issue. The publication notes that India's refusal to travel to Pakistan has been known for some time, and that no objections were raised when the Champions Trophy schedule was announced.The ICC has not yet commented on the latest developments. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering inviting India to a bilateral T20I series at a neutral venue in 2025. This proposal will be discussed during the ICC annual conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will meet BCCI secretary Jay Shah.The PCB remains firm in its stance that the Champions Trophy matches will not be moved outside Pakistan. However, the board is willing to accommodate India's concerns by offering a neutral venue for the T20I series. The matches could potentially be scheduled during the free days of both teams after the Champions Trophy.Pakistan has emphasized that it will provide full security to the Indian team if they travel to Lahore for the Champions Trophy. The PCB has also acquired land adjacent to the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium to construct a 5-star hotel, which will eliminate the need for teams to stay in distant hotels and reduce security concerns.Naqvi is expected to persuade Shah to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the final decision rests with the Indian government, which has previously expressed security concerns about traveling to Pakistan.India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012, with the Indian government restricting cricket encounters to ICC or ACC events. The PCB's invitation for a T20I series in 2025 could be a step towards resuming bilateral cricket between the two nations.