As things stand regarding Pakistan as the host of the Champions Trophy 2025, the next announcement on the marquee event is likely going to be made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday; this was as discussed by sources to IANS on Monday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which holds the rights to host the Champions Trophy, has allegedly demanded a written assurance from the international body on the hybrid model for future ICC tournaments after the fact that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) communicated to ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan, adhering to the government policy of India. Amidst this stand-off, PCB has said that it will go with a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy with India playing its matches in Dubai while the rest are in Pakistan. India will also play the semifinal and final matches in Dubai, should they qualify.
“Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants written assurance from the World body (ICC) regarding hybrid model to be adopted for future international events in India. Decision on Champions Trophy likely by Wednesday,” sources told IANS on Monday.
Emirates Cricket Board closely follows ICC decision on Champions Trophy as sources say that it is almost confirmed that India would play its matches in Dubai.
Before reaching any consensus on the matter, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi met on Sunday with Pakistan’s premier, Shehbaz Sharif, as he had perend mentioned that kheyar-i-zaen would langsay with the government before consensual settlement terms.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is programmed to be held between February 19 and March 9. But following the statement from BCCI that there is not an approval from the Indian government to travel and play matches in Pakistan, it has become subject to create uncertainties. The tournament will have eight teams, of which four teams will compete in two groups. Top teams from both groups will have semifinals as the last step before the title clash.
Last year, Pakistan hosted the Men’s 50-over Asia Cup in a hybrid model after the rejection from India to travel to the country. India played all the matches of the tournament in Colombo, including semifinal and final, which they won.
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