According to the Leaders Asia sources, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to finalize the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, leaving the tournament in uncertainty. Despite holding a board meeting on Friday, no definitive decision was made.
The Key Issue: India’s Refusal to Travel
The competition, slated to begin on February 19, is caught in a deadlock due to India’s refusal to travel to the host nation, Pakistan. As per the Leaders Asia sources, political tensions between the two countries have made bilateral matches outside of major tournaments nearly impossible since 2008. Notably, India hasn’t played in Pakistan for the last 16 years, although Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
A Brief Meeting, More Discussions to Come
Sources indicate that Friday’s meeting was “brief,” and ICC officials are expected to reconvene in the coming days to deliberate further on the issue.
Hybrid Hosting Model Rejected
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has dismissed the idea of a “hybrid” model, where India’s matches would be played in a neutral country while the rest of the tournament takes place in Pakistan. However, with ongoing stalemates, a full tournament hosted solely in Pakistan appears increasingly unlikely.
Historic Significance at Stake
If the Champions Trophy proceeds as planned, it will mark the first global cricket event hosted by Pakistan since 1996. The decision carries weight not only for cricketing logistics but also for the sport’s role in bridging regional tensions.
As discussions continue, cricket fans worldwide await clarity on the future of this prestigious tournamen
