The ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan next year, has reached a familiar impasse with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly declining to travel to Pakistan for the event. Pakistan had proposed Lahore as the sole venue for the Indian team in an effort to address security concerns and gain the BCCI’s approval. However, the BCCI has suggested alternative venues, including Dubai and Sri Lanka, for their matches in a hybrid model.
Although no formal discussions have taken place regarding the BCCI’s proposal, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may have little choice but to accept the Indian board’s demands. However, if the PCB insists on holding all matches in Pakistan, the Indian team might choose to withdraw from the tournament due to security concerns, as securing government approval seems unlikely.
If the Indian team decides to withdraw from the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka, which finished 9th in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings, will take their place.
Last year, Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the Asia Cup 2023, but due to the Indian government’s refusal to grant permission for the team to travel, the matches were relocated to Sri Lanka.
The Indian cricket team has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008, and the two teams only face each other in ICC or ACC events. In their most recent encounter during the T20 World Cup 2024 last month, India defeated Pakistan by six runs in the group stage and went on to win their second title.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be the first major international cricket tournament hosted exclusively by Pakistan. Previously, Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, and before that, co-hosted the Reliance Cup with India in 1987.
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