With less than six months to go until the 2025 Champions Trophy, preparations are ramping up in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is already renovating key venues like Karachi Stadium in anticipation of a major ODI event. However, uncertainty still looms over India’s participation, as the Men in Blue hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 due to security concerns.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official statement, rumors suggest they are pushing for a hybrid model—similar to the Asia Cup 2023—where India’s matches could be hosted in the UAE or Sri Lanka. It’s even been reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has allocated extra funds to the PCB to accommodate a potential hybrid arrangement.
In a recent development, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the situation, confirming that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan. He also revealed ongoing discussions with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and other international boards.
The Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan, and we are in touch with Jay Shah as well as other participating boards,
Naqvi told Geo News.
PCB Reveals Match Officials for Champions One-Day Cup
Naqvi on Jay Shah’s Role as ICC Chairman
In August 2024, the ICC confirmed that Jay Shah would take over as its new chairman, succeeding Greg Barclay on December 1. Naqvi expressed no concerns over Shah’s appointment, stating that the PCB is maintaining open lines of communication.
“We are in contact with Jay Shah, and there are no issues regarding his becoming ICC Chairman. The ACC meeting is scheduled for September 8 and 9,” Naqvi shared with reporters.
Naqvi Set to Succeed Shah as ACC President?
There is speculation that Mohsin Naqvi could replace Jay Shah as the next President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). While discussions will take place at the upcoming ACC meeting, it has been reported that Naqvi will not attend the event in person.
As the cricketing world awaits final decisions on these developments, Pakistan remains focused on delivering a successful Champions Trophy on home soil, regardless of India’s participation.
