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As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, uncertainty looms over the tournament’s hosting rights. Pakistan was designated as the official host nation, but tensions have escalated with India refusing to travel there, instead demanding a hybrid model where matches are split across neutral venues. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, has firmly rejected India’s proposal, leading to a standoff that has left the fate of the event hanging in the balance.
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England Extends Support to Pakistan
In a surprising turn of events, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has come out in support of Pakistan as the host. Following a meeting between PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and ECB head Richard Thompson, England has backed Pakistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy. In an official statement, the ECB lauded Pakistan’s efforts and assured their support, bolstering the PCB’s stance amid ongoing opposition from India.
Richard Thompson expressed confidence in Pakistan’s readiness to host the tournament, stating, “Pakistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy are on track, and we fully support their efforts to deliver a successful event.” Naqvi, in turn, assured that all visiting teams would be treated with top-tier hospitality, akin to state guest protocol.
BCCI’s Objection to Trophy Tour in Contested Territories
The situation took a political turn when Pakistan announced a Champions Trophy tour to the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) region, with stops in scenic locations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. This announcement was seen as a provocation by India, leading to a swift reaction from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who lodged a formal complaint with the ICC.
In response, the ICC intervened, rejecting the PCB’s plans for a trophy tour in contested territories, forcing Pakistan to revise their itinerary. Despite this setback, the PCB pushed forward, officially launching the tour from Islamabad on 16 November.
The revised statement from the PCB reads:
“Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November.”
A High-Stakes Deadlock Between BCCI and PCB
With both the PCB and BCCI holding firm on their positions, the ICC faces a difficult decision. Pakistan is unwilling to budge on hosting the event entirely on their home soil, while India is adamant about a hybrid model due to security concerns and political tensions.
The standoff comes at a time when cricket diplomacy is at its peak, and with just a few months remaining, the ICC must navigate a complex landscape to ensure the Champions Trophy proceeds smoothly.
What’s Next for the ICC Champions Trophy?
The fate of the tournament remains in limbo, with the clock ticking down to the scheduled start. If a compromise isn’t reached soon, the ICC may be forced to explore alternative options, including shifting the tournament to a neutral venue.
As the standoff continues, one thing is clear: the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most politically charged editions in the history of the tournament.
