The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain as tensions simmer between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With India formally refusing to play in Pakistan due to security concerns, the ICC is exploring alternative arrangements to ensure the tournament proceeds without disruption.
South Africa as a Potential Backup Host for 2025 Champions Trophy
In recent developments, BCCI confirmed that India will not travel to Pakistan, citing government concerns over safety. This decision puts the PCB in a challenging position, as it has been eager to showcase the tournament on home ground. However, to avoid India’s potential boycott, the ICC is reportedly encouraging Pakistan to adopt a hybrid hosting model. According to a report from Sports Tak, the ICC may move the tournament to South Africa if the PCB rejects this compromise.
Champions Trophy 2025 Without India? PCB May Propose Alternative Plan to ICC
Hybrid Format Proposal for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Matches
The ICC’s proposed hybrid model would allow Pakistan to host the tournament, with one major adjustment: all of India’s matches would be held in the UAE, while the remaining games would be played in Pakistan. The format echoes the setup used for the 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s games were moved to Sri Lanka to facilitate smooth tournament operations despite India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan.
Event Announcement Delayed Amid Ongoing Negotiations
The uncertainty around the Champions Trophy location has reportedly already impacted plans, with the ICC recently cancelling an event in Lahore intended to announce the tournament schedule. Traditionally, ICC tournament schedules are revealed 100 days before the event, but ongoing negotiations have led to an indefinite delay in the official announcement, adding to the confusion around the 2025 Champions Trophy’s fate.
As discussions continue, the cricketing world watches closely to see whether the PCB will agree to a hybrid format or if South Africa will step in as an alternate host for this high-profile tournament.
