Co-host emerges for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 amid India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan

ICC explores alternative host to ensure smooth Champions Trophy amidst India's concerns

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, faces significant hurdles after India expressed reluctance to participate on Pakistani soil.

The tournament, set to feature top cricketing nations including the host and defending champions Pakistan, is now under the scrutiny of the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to India's hesitations.

India, citing unspecified concerns conveyed through media rather than official channels, has put the ICC in a position where alternative plans are being considered.

This topic is poised to be a focal point at the upcoming ICC annual conference in Colombo from July 19 to 22. Discussions will potentially include a hybrid model with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a co-host to address security and logistical issues.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awaits government approval, a customary procedure that often does not result in a written refusal but rather an eleventh-hour withdrawal. Such a move could jeopardize the smooth execution of the tournament. In light of this, the ICC is also deliberating a contingency budget for hosting the matches outside Pakistan.

Previously, during the Asia Cup, India's refusal to travel to Pakistan led them to garner support from other cricket boards like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, hinting at financial leverage over the decision-making process.

One compromise under consideration involves hosting all matches in Karachi to streamline travel between Dubai and Pakistan. Despite these discussions, major venues like Rawalpindi and Lahore are still on the table to ensure adequate representation across Pakistan. The current schedule places Pakistan in a challenging Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Transport logistics, such as chartered flights for teams, are being planned meticulously. However, the hybrid model might see Pakistan forfeiting the opportunity to host key matches like a semi-final or the final. The opening match is set for Karachi's National Stadium, while the final is slated for Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

Despite these challenges, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, staunchly oppose any plans that diminish Pakistan's role as the primary host. The PCB is gearing up to assert this position strongly during the ICC meeting in Colombo, underscoring the importance of hosting the event entirely within Pakistan.