After India’s refusal to tour Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final and final likely to be moved to…
New Delhi: The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, is facing uncertainty as reports suggest that the Indian team has declined to travel to the neighboring country for the marquee event. According to The Indian Express, the ICC recently held a virtual meeting where a hybrid model was proposed to the Pakistan Cricket Board. Under this model, India’s three group matches, along with a semifinal and the final, would be played in a neutral venue.
The BCCI has reportedly been denied permission by the Indian government to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing strained diplomatic relations between the two nations. While the Pakistan Cricket Board
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) challenges have further intensified with Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s decision to cancel their A team’s tour of Pakistan. Adding to the turmoil, former Pakistan captain and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan remains in jail, with nearly 1,000 of his supporters recently arrested. Reports suggest that his followers stormed the capital earlier this week, demanding his release, further complicating the nation’s political and sporting landscape.
During the meeting, the ICC discussed two potential plans for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Under the first plan, three of India’s group matches, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan, along with one semifinal and the final, would be held at a neutral venue. The second plan proposes that, in the event India fails to qualify from the group stage, both the semifinals and the final would be played in Pakistan.
According to the report, a vote will be held to decide the future of the tournament’s venue arrangements. If the hybrid model receives majority support, it will ultimately be up to the PCB to accept or reject it. The ICC is also considering finalizing the UAE as a neutral venue, as it would reduce travel time for teams between matches in Pakistan. Even if the hybrid model is approved, the ICC will allow the PCB time to secure clearance from the Pakistan government before moving forward.