Pakistan has been given the privilege to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, which is scheduled to happen in February or March, by the International Cricket Council (ICC). A formal hosting arrangement hasn’t been completed yet, though.
During the most recent ICC meetings in India, this topic was covered. PCB officials are optimistic about the agreement’s upcoming signing. Pakistan has made it clear that the ICC should not make judgements on its own if a nation claims security concerns as a reason not to send a squad. Rather, a thorough evaluation should be carried out in coordination with a separate security organisation.
Except for India, all teams have lately played in Pakistan without experiencing any security issues. Thus, all matches are to be played in Pakistan unless there is a genuine security danger that is verified by an unbiased security agency.
Sources claim that given the current circumstances, it is doubtful that the Indian government will let BCCI send an Indian side to Pakistan. The PCB is aware of the political nature of this problem and anticipates a government-level solution. If India chooses not to send its team, other possibilities are being explored, including shifting the matches to neutral venues and ensuring complete compensation for monetary losses through ICC consultation. Furthermore, the former PCB management committee had requested legal advice and opposed it based on ICC documents.
In May, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice travelled to Pakistan, but they were unable to find a solution. Contracts might be signed as early as next month, contingent on certain financial and other difficulties being overcome. The present government is seeking clarity.
Notably, PCB successfully organised the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka with a hybrid format, even though there were only four matches played there. If the Indian team chooses to withdraw, a similar tactic may be employed for the Champions Trophy, although the expenses would increase dramatically.
