The venue of Champions Trophy 2025 is still the focus of the point of contention in world cricket. There doesn’t seem to be any solution coming forward as of now. The controversy surrounding the tournament being held in Pakistan or the hybrid model has raised too many questions. Here is a summary of what is going on as of now.
Shoaib Akhtar Wants Virat Kohli To Play In Pakistan
Shoaib Akhtar, a legendary pace bowler from Pakistan in the middle of this tussle, has also expressed his views on the situation. He gave a detailed analysis on the refusal by India to continue to play in Pakistan and also the consequences that that may have on the tournament. Yet another perspective added on this already complex issue with the 2025 Champions Trophy.
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“Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be a full circle for him. Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events. I don’t think this will happen. Keeping the fingers crossed. Wait till the last moment. I think currently, as of now, India is coming to Pakistan.” Shoaib said
“It’s Nothing To Do With BCCI” Says Akhtar
“The governments are the decision-makers, and the BCCI can’t do anything.”
The controversy began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent a notice to the International Cricket Council (ICC) stating that the Indian cricket team would not be traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. This, however, emanates from security concerns and political tension between the two countries, and therefore, India’s participation in Pakistan is very unlikely. The firm stance of the BCCI has fanned the flames, leaving the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a tight spot.
“The back channel talks can help. Even in days of war, this happened. We will have to find a solution. We know that ICC gets 95-96 per cent of sponsorship from India,” he added.
Will PCB Opt For Hybrid Model?
As the PCB would not budge from their stance, there were discussions that India could play their matches at a neutral venue, while other teams could compete in Pakistan. However, the PCB has clearly stated that this suggestion is not acceptable to them. They have stated that if this tournament were hosted in this manner, Pakistan would be only a host nation and not a host country, which is something they are not willing to do. This has now created a huge logjam between the two cricketing boards.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Trophy Tour Begins Amid BCCI Vs PCB Standoff
ICC Soon Likely To Finalize The Schedule Soon
Despite this, sources close to the situation have informed IANS that the ICC is likely to finalise and confirm the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule end this week. It comes after the ongoing discussions held with the PCB on addressing the concerns of India and finding a way forward with their decision. The ICC wants to draw clarity on the entire situation and avoid further complications as the tournament draws closer.
The ambiguity over the tournament venue continues, and cricket fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting a resolution. Will they host it in Pakistan or shift or adjust with a hybrid model? Only time will tell.
