India Emerges as Leading Host for 2025 Champions Trophy If Pakistan Withdraw: In the event of withdrawal from Pakistan for hosting, India is likely to be earmarked as a probable venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the lingering debates regarding India’s tour of Pakistan and the security issues that escalated the travel ban on India, the ICC had to seek hosting alternatives.
The tournament was the first major ICC event that Pakistan has been hosting since 2009. Nevertheless, the Indian Cricket Board communicated to the International Cricket Council that it would not send the Indian team to Pakistan. This raised the issue of a hybrid model. In this hybrid model, some of the matches, including that of India’s, would be played in a different place, such as Dubai.
If this is not acceptable to Pakistan, then the ICC may have the option of changing the venue for the entire event. Dubai and Sri Lanka are some of the best options even come on board as a potential organiser if Pakistan pulls out completely. Even in the event of the hosting of the Champions Trophy in India, it is expected that there would be less erosion of viewership and operational challenges, especially for the Asian region.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 May Shift To South Africa If Pakistan Refuses The Hybrid Model
The situation is similar to the recent Asia Cup format, wherein all of India’s matches were relocated to Sri Lanka. The ICC is seeking to achieve this by November. With finality coming shortly after Jay Shah, current BCCI secretary, assumes the position of ICC Chairman.
