ICC Reportedly Develops Plan to Move Champions Trophy 2025 from Pakistan
According to reports from Indian media, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering contingency plans for hosting the Champions Trophy 2025. Initially, the ICC explored the option of moving India’s matches to the UAE if the Indian government did not allow their team to travel to Pakistan.
Potential Venue Changes
Recent reports have revealed that the ICC has also developed a contingency plan to move the entire Champions Trophy out of Pakistan. South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the UAE are being considered as potential alternative venues. This decision is reportedly influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The ICC has prepared budgets for all three potential plans as the tournament dates approach.
PCB’s Stand and Preparations
Pakistan was announced as the host of the Champions Trophy in 2021. Since then, there have been numerous speculations about the tournament being moved out of the country. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has consistently stated that the entire tournament will be held in Pakistan and that all participating teams will tour the country for the mega-event. Preparations are already underway, with renovations at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.
Implications
The latest updates from the ICC come as a significant surprise and could potentially deal a massive blow to the PCB and Pakistan cricket. The tournament is originally scheduled to take place from 19 February to 9 March, with matches set to be held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
