Potential ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Venues Amidst Pakistan’s…

South Africa and the UAE are potential hosts for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if Pakistan withdraws. India reportedly will not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, leading to fears of financial and contractual repercussions for the ICC. Pakistan wants India to participate while the PCB opposes a hybrid hosting model proposed by the BCCI.

Sources indicate that South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are emerging as potential hosts for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if Pakistan decides to withdraw unexpectedly. Reports from Pakistan media noted that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has communicated to the Pakistan Cricket Board that India is unlikely to participate in the tournament in Pakistan due to security concerns. The absence of Pakistan could jeopardize broadcast and sponsorship agreements, potentially resulting in legal disputes and financial losses for the ICC. The Pakistan Cricket Board is urging India to visit for the tournament, recalling India’s trip during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has proposed a hybrid model for hosting their matches, with a likely final to be held at the Dubai International Stadium. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board opposes this approach. Political tensions between the two countries have prevented India from touring Pakistan since 2008. Despite participation in ICC tournaments, the last bilateral series was in 2012-13.

The location for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has become a contentious issue due to ongoing diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. Historically, the two nations have encountered significant security-related challenges regarding sporting events, leading to India refraining from traveling to Pakistan for over a decade. The inclusion of both teams in the tournament is pivotal for financial and contractual obligations tied to broadcasting and sponsorships. The situation is further complicated by Pakistan’s recent hosting of the Asia Cup, which utilized a hybrid model following similar diplomatic concerns.

In conclusion, South Africa and the UAE are poised to potentially host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if Pakistan opts out due to unresolved participation issues with India. The ongoing tension between the two nations complicates logistics and planning for the tournament, with significant implications for the ICC’s financial commitments. The situation remains fluid as the ICC navigates these challenges while prioritizing security and contractual obligations.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com