South Africa and the UAE may host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if Pakistan opts out, following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. The PCB aims for India to participate, but the BCCI has suggested a hybrid model for the tournament, leading to complications.
Sources indicate that South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are emerging as potential hosts for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, should Pakistan withdraw from the tournament. Reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board has received communication from the International Cricket Council asserting that India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. Without Pakistan’s involvement, the ICC faces possible contractual complications with broadcasters and sponsors anticipating matches featuring both teams. The Pakistan Cricket Board maintains that they desire India to travel to Pakistan, noting that the Indian national team had previously participated during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has proposed a hybrid model for the tournament, with plans for the final to be hosted at the Dubai International Stadium in the UAE; however, this suggestion has been met with resistance from the PCB. Given the current discord, a venue change for the flagship event appears increasingly probable. Political tensions have historically hampered bilateral cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, with India last visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008. Since that time, the two nations have only faced each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup. India has remained steadfast in its position not to travel to Pakistan, citing safety precautions, and as of earlier this year, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reiterated that India would only travel to Pakistan with government approval. Previously, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup using a hybrid model, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka while others occurred on Pakistani soil.
The ICC Champions Trophy, a prominent cricket tournament, is scheduled for 2025 and is currently embroiled in discussions regarding its potential venues due to Pakistan’s uncertain participation. Political and security issues have long complicated cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, which has led to India declining to travel to Pakistan in recent years, raising concerns regarding the viability of the tournament being held in Pakistan.
In summary, the potential withdrawal of Pakistan from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to India’s refusal to travel has led to South Africa and the UAE being considered as alternative hosts. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, affecting international cricket engagements and raising concerns regarding financial and contractual implications for the ICC.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
