The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a hybrid hosting model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, putting to rest speculations about the tournament’s feasibility. The event will be hosted by Pakistan, with matches between India and Pakistan to be played at neutral venues.
Key Highlights of the Decision
- Neutral Venues for Indo-Pak Matches:
- The decision is part of a broader arrangement covering ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle.
- The ICC confirmed: “India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue.”
- Major ICC Events Covered:
- 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
- 2025 Women’s World Cup in India.
- 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
- India’s Safety Concerns:
- The BCCI cited safety concerns for its refusal to travel to Pakistan.
- The PCB countered this, stating that Pakistan honoured its commitments by participating in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Champions Trophy 2025 Overview
- Dates: Scheduled from February to March 2025.
- Venue: Primarily in Pakistan, with India-Pakistan fixtures at neutral venues.
- Participating Teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan.
- Defending Champions: Pakistan, who clinched the title in the 2017 final against India.
- Historic Significance: First time Pakistan will host the tournament since its inception in 1998.
Future ICC Events in Pakistan
- 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan will host this major tournament, again adopting the neutral venue model for India-Pakistan matches.
Impact of the Decision
- Logistical Resolution: The hybrid model allows the ICC to navigate political tensions between the two countries, ensuring smooth tournament conduct.
- Cricket Diplomacy: While the neutral venue policy reflects the ongoing strain in bilateral ties, it keeps the spirit of global cricket alive by enabling India-Pakistan encounters.
- Historic Hosting Opportunity for Pakistan: The Champions Trophy underscores Pakistan’s growing prominence as a cricketing destination on the global stage.
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be finalized and announced soon.
Leave a Reply