The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a major setback in its bid to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the first time in 29 years. Pakistan was scheduled to host the tournament, set to begin on February 19, 2025, but the Indian Cricket Board’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan has put those plans in jeopardy. Amid discussions about the possibility of a hybrid model, where India could play their matches in a neutral venue such as the UAE or Sri Lanka, the PCB has rejected this proposal, insisting that the entire tournament be held in Pakistan.
As a result, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is now considering stripping Pakistan of the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy. There is even speculation that South Africa could be offered the opportunity to host the tournament instead. The PCB’s refusal to accept a hybrid model, which would have allowed India’s participation while maintaining the tournament in Pakistan, has left the ICC with limited options. The PCB’s stance has made the situation more complicated, as Pakistan is unwilling to compromise on its desire to host the event in full.
The situation has reached a point where the PCB is reportedly contemplating withdrawing from the Champions Trophy entirely if the hosting rights are revoked. This situation mirrors the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s cricketing future on the global stage, with its last major ICC event being the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The possibility of Pakistan losing the 2025 Champions Trophy could have long-term implications for the country’s standing in international cricket.
Adding to the controversy, a countdown event scheduled for November 11, 2023, in Lahore to promote the Champions Trophy was canceled at the last minute. If Pakistan is to participate in the 2025 tournament, it will enter as the defending champion, having won the 2017 Champions Trophy by defeating India in the final. However, with the hosting rights now in question, Pakistan’s participation and involvement in the event remain uncertain.
