The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted Pakistan the right to host the 2025 Champions Trophy to be held in February and March. However, a decision on India’s matches will be taken in due course as the Indian government is expected to be reluctant to allow the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send an Indian team to Pakistan.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday officially signed the agreement for hosting rights for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The signing of the agreement between the two regulators took place in Dubai. Pakistan Cricket Board President Zaka Ashraf, accompanied by ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall, visited the ICC office in Dubai to sign the agreement.
After the PCB signs an agreement with the ICC to host theChampions Trophy in 2025, it remains to be seen what the next step will be for the Indian team. It will be interesting to see if the BCCI will allow the team to travel to Pakistan for the event.
Zaka Ashraf recently met with Khalid Al Zarouni, Vice-President of the Emirates Cricket Board, but the Champions Trophy did not come up in particular. Nevertheless, the UAE expressed its continued support to Pakistan.
Sources said that if the BCCI does not send a team to Pakistan, the possibility of some Champions Trophy matches being played in the UAE cannot be ruled out. However, the ICC will have to bear the increased costs and changes to the tournament may be necessary.
The former PCB Management Board had previously lodged a challenge based on the ICC document and had to seek legal advice. Despite a visit to Pakistan by ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardyce in May, no solution to the problem has been found.
Due to political tensions and security concerns between the two countries, the Indian government is unlikely to allow the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow the Indian cricket team to play in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring the possibility of resolving the political nature of this issue at the government level.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is the 9th edition of the tournament. The event was canceled by the International Cricket Council after Pakistan defeated India in the 2017 final in England. The governing body has just revived the event. The Champions Trophy will be held for the first time in eight years and hosts Pakistan will be keen to win her 2025 championship in front of their home fans.
