The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be hosted by Pakistan. However, no resolution has been reached regarding the tournament yet. The Indian cricket team has already refused to tour the neighboring country, while Pakistan has shown reluctance to hold the tournament in a hybrid model. Due to this stalemate, the ICC has not announced the schedule. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to make statements about the tournament. Amidst all this, the International Cricket Council has taken a significant step.
ICC Takes a Big Step for Champions Trophy
ICC officials are trying to engage in back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board to persuade them to agree to the hybrid model for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. The ICC is explaining why the hybrid model is the best way forward for the tournament and why an ICC event cannot take place without the Indian cricket team. Additionally, ICC officials are trying to ensure that Pakistan refrains from making any public statements against India.
Earlier this month, the ICC reportedly informed the PCB in writing that India would not travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, scheduled for early 2025. Since then, the matter has remained unresolved. The report suggests that if the tournament is held under the hybrid model, all matches involving Team India will take place in the UAE. On the other hand, the PCB wants India to tour Pakistan, citing that their team traveled to India for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Previously, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in a hybrid model, where India played all their matches in Sri Lanka.
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Schedule Announcement Expected Soon
Discussions regarding the schedule of the Champions Trophy are ongoing with Pakistan, the host nation, and other participating teams. The schedule is likely to be announced in a few days. Reports suggest that the ICC is keen to release the schedule this week under any circumstances. Typically, tournament schedules are announced 100 days before the event. However, delays have occurred this time due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.