The hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan is now under threat due to recent unrest in Islamabad. The turmoil in the nation’s capital has raised security concerns, making some teams reluctant to participate in the tournament within Pakistan. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan recently staged protests in Islamabad, creating a volatile situation.
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Champions Trophy 2025: Challenges for PCB
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, the ongoing political instability has raised the possibility of the tournament being shifted to another country. Sri Lanka A, scheduled to play a One-Day series against Pakistan Shaheens, had to return midway due to the unrest in Islamabad.
According to reports, several participating nations have expressed concerns over security, increasing the likelihood of the tournament being relocated. There is speculation that the PCB might consider hosting the tournament under a hybrid model. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly suggested this option to the PCB, urging them to agree to the hybrid arrangement to address security concerns.
What Led to the Unrest in Islamabad?
Islamabad has been under lockdown as supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan have surrounded the city in protest. Over 1,000 of Khan’s supporters have been arrested by Pakistani authorities. The protests stem from Khan’s detention in the Toshakhana case, where he was convicted on August 5, 2023. He was arrested from his Zaman Park residence and has remained in jail since then, facing over 200 legal cases.
The latest unrest is fueled by demands for his release, intensifying the political instability in the country.
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Decision on Champions Trophy Hosting Expected on November 29
The ongoing stalemate between India and Pakistan over the Champions Trophy hosting is not new. For months, the two nations have been at odds, with both sides refusing to budge. The ICC Board Members’ meeting on November 29 is expected to provide a final decision on the tournament’s fate.
Pakistan’s First ICC Event Since 1996
The Champions Trophy 2025 was supposed to mark Pakistan’s first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. However, the recent unrest has significantly diminished the likelihood of Pakistan hosting the event.
India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012. However, they have faced each other in ICC events and last year’s Asia Cup, which was shifted to a hybrid model after India refused to play in Pakistan. India played all its matches in Sri Lanka.
Champions Trophy’s Return After 2017
The Champions Trophy is making its return to the ICC calendar for the first time since 2017. Pakistan, which won the last edition held in England, is scheduled to host the tournament from February 19 to March 9, 2025. However, the possibility of a hybrid model remains, allowing India to play its matches at a neutral venue.
