Pakistan's hopes of hosting the Champions Trophy are in major jeopardy
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- ICC have given PCB a major blow
- The entire Champions Trophy could be shifted out of Pakistan
- India are unlikely to travel to Pakistan
Pakistan's chances of hosting the Champions Trophy are in major doubt as it has emerged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering shifting the entire tournament out of Pakistan as India's chances of travelling to their neighbouring nation for the mega event remain difficult.
For those unversed, India has not played any cricket in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to political tensions between the two countries. The 2023 Asia Cup was shifted to a hybrid model, with Sri Lanka acting as co-hosts and only four matches played in Pakistan.
Entire Champions Trophy To Be Shifted Outside Pakistan
With India's stern position of not travelling to Pakistan, the future of the 2025 CT has been in doubt ever since Pakistan were allocated hosting rights to the tournament. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed confidence that they will host all matches, several reports have suggested that the tournament will take place in a hybrid model, with India matches scheduled to take place outside the country.
However, Pakistan might end up hosting no match at all as the ICC is considering the option of shifting the entire tournament to Pakistan, according to a report by Sports Tak. It is believed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, and South Africa are being considered as alternate hosts.
The report states that the ICC has prepared the budget for the tournament with three options in consideration. While the first option is to host all matches in Pakistan, the world cricket governing body has prepared plans to host the tournament in a hybrid model or hold every match in a different country.
If the tournament is played in a hybrid model, even one semi-final and possibly the final will have to move out of Pakistan if India qualify.
It is worth noting that if the tournament is shifted out of Pakistan, the PCB will retain the hosting rights of the competition and still earn revenue from the ICC event. However, a decision is not expected anytime soon with a final call only set to come in November.
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