The debate over the hosting model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resists holding the tournament in a hybrid format to accommodate India’s participation.
The Indian government has refused to allow its team to travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns. According to recent reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering offering additional financial incentives to persuade the PCB to agree to a hybrid model.
The schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy remains unresolved after India formally informed the ICC that it would not travel to Pakistan for the event.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suggested holding India’s matches in the UAE and proposed hosting the final in Dubai if India reaches that stage. However, the PCB has rejected these proposals, emphasizing that all other participating teams are willing to play in Pakistan, and they will not alter the hosting format for one team.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has avoided commenting on delays surrounding the tournament but reaffirmed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will proceed as planned in Pakistan. “All preparations, including construction work at Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi stadiums, are progressing on time,” a PCB official stated.
The ICC executive board is scheduled to meet to address the ongoing dispute over the hosting format. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has maintained its firm stance, refusing to accept proposals for a hybrid model.
The PCB has suggested that even if a hybrid model is adopted, marquee matches, including the India-Pakistan group-stage clash and the final, should be held in Lahore. However, this proposal has met strong resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which demands that India’s matches and a potential final be hosted in Dubai.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
