Latest update of the Champions Trophy 2025: There is still suspense regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. India has made it clear that it will clearly not participate in this tournament. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has weighed in on this whole matter.
According to sources, ICC Executive Board members are trying to convince the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to accept the hybrid model for next year’s Champions Trophy with the promise of greater financial incentives. The schedule for this tournament is yet to be announced as India has informed the ICC about their inability to travel to Pakistan for this important event.
The ICC will convene a meeting of its Executive Committee today (November 26) to find a solution to this complex issue. A source told PTI that PCB is not ready to host the event under the hybrid model, so they are now being offered additional financial incentives to end the stalemate.
The source said: There is a possibility that after the virtual meeting of the board members on November 26, there will be clarity on this matter and in what format the Champions Trophy will finally be played early next year. The situation will be clear in this regard.
This source also informed that if India qualifies, the PCB will be asked to accept additional financial incentives to allow India to play its matches in the UAE. In addition, the final could be held in Dubai.
Pakistan opposes hybrid model…
Pakistan is currently opposed to the hybrid model. If India is not ready to play in Pakistan, then it is their problem because the other six participating countries have no problem playing in Pakistan.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour in Pakistan begins in Islamabad with 2017 winner @76Shadabkhan pic.twitter.com/r8vE0rpNCz
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 16, 2024
Another source said: PCB also insists that even if it accepts the hybrid model, the match (group stage) and final between Pakistan and India should be held only in Lahore. Obviously, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) does not agree with this and insists that India should play all its matches in Dubai. Which includes the semi-final and final matches against Pakistan, if they qualify for it.
The PCB boss remained silent…
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has so far refrained from commenting on the schedule delay but has insisted that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as per schedule and that no preference will be given to the hybrid model. A PCB official said: As far as we are concerned, all preparations for the tournament, including construction work at the three stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, are progressing as planned.
There was a bilateral series between both countries in 2012
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, but have faced each other in ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup held in India last year. Last year, the Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan was also switched to a hybrid model after India refused to play in Pakistan. India then played all their matches in Sri Lanka.
The Champions Trophy is organized for the first time after 2017
The Champions Trophy returns to the ICC calendar after 2017. This could be changed to a ‘hybrid’ model, where India could play all its matches at another venue, possibly in the United Arab Emirates… while the rest of the tournament would be organized in Pakistan. Pakistan had won the last edition of the Champions Trophy held in England in 2017. This time it will host the tournament that will be held from February 19 to March 9.
