The upcoming few weeks are critical for Pakistan cricket, with not just the Test series against England but also concerns over the 2025 Champions Trophy. Pakistan, which was granted the hosting rights for this major tournament, is facing uncertainty over whether it will be able to host the event. The ICC is now exploring the possibility of moving the Champions Trophy to another country, with South Africa emerging as a key option alongside UAE and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s First Major ICC Event Since 1996
Pakistan was awarded the Champions Trophy hosting rights by the ICC, marking a significant achievement for the country as it would be the first major ICC event to be held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. However, this long-awaited opportunity faces complications. The key issue revolves around whether India will participate in a tournament held in Pakistan, a question that has lingered since the event was first announced.
Will India Travel to Pakistan?
One of the biggest challenges in hosting the tournament in Pakistan is the participation of Team India. The political tensions between India and Pakistan have made it unclear whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) upgrading its stadiums and assuring that the event will take place in Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained that the final decision rests with the Indian government.
The BCCI has so far not indicate that it would allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. With India being a key cricketing nation and a major draw for global audiences, the participation of Team India is crucial for the success of the Champions Trophy. Without their participation, the event could lose significant viewership and sponsorship, making the tournament less viable.
ICC’s Three Options for the Champions Trophy
According to recent reports, the ICC is considering three options for the 2025 Champions Trophy. These options include:
- Hosting the Event Entirely in Pakistan: The original plan of organizing the entire tournament in Pakistan is still on the table, but it hinges on India’s participation.
- Hybrid Model: The ICC is also considering a hybrid model, where some matches could be played in Pakistan, while others are held in a neutral venue to accommodate teams that may be reluctant to travel to Pakistan.
- Shifting the Tournament Elsewhere: The ICC is also exploring the possibility of moving the entire tournament to another country. The names of UAE and Sri Lanka have been circulating for some time, but now South Africa has also emerged as a strong contender. South Africa hasn’t hosted a major ICC men’s tournament since the 2007 T20 World Cup, although it has successfully hosted several women’s and junior events in recent years.
South Africa: A New Contender for Hosting
South Africa’s inclusion as a potential host is gaining attention. While the UAE and Sri Lanka have long been floated as options due to their cricket infrastructure and previous experience hosting neutral tournaments, South Africa is a fresh alternative that the ICC is reportedly considering. Given its solid cricketing infrastructure and experience in hosting global events, South Africa could be a viable option if the ICC decides to move the Champions Trophy away from Pakistan entirely.
Decision Expected by November
The final decision on where the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held is expected by November. The ICC is currently preparing the budget and logistics for all three options, and the decision could go either way. Adding to the complexity is the appointment of Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, as the ICC Chairman starting in December, which could influence the outcome.
Despite the uncertainty, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi remains optimistic, claiming that the tournament will proceed as planned in Pakistan. Preparations are underway in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi stadiums to ensure that Pakistan is ready to host the event.
Pakistan Holds Its Breath
The next few weeks will be tense for Pakistan’s cricket administrators. Hosting the Champions Trophy would not only be a major event for Pakistani cricket but also a sign of the country’s return as a major destination for international cricket. However, with the ICC exploring alternatives, there is a very real chance that the tournament could be shifted to another country. All eyes are now on the ICC’s decision, which will determine whether the Champions Trophy stays in Pakistan or moves to a different host nation.
