Courtesy: ICC/PCB/BCCI
On Friday, November 29, the hybrid model proposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in regards to Champions Trophy 2025, is reportedly accepted by the ICC and the other six participating teams with only the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opposing it. With that, there is a possibility of the Pakistan cricket team missing out on playing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite being the official host of the tournament.
In a virtual meeting chaired by Imran Khwaja, the deputy chair of the ICC, which lasted only 15 minutes earlier today, all the members supported India’s stance to not travel to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy 2025, as reported by RevSportz. But, with the PCB not on board to organise the eight-team tournament as per the hybrid model, the final decision regarding the venues will be announced after another meeting of the ICC in a few days time.
Don't be surprised if the tournament is played out of Pakistan, and even without Pakistan: ICC Official
According to an official from the ICC, nobody should be surprised if the Champions Trophy 2025 is moved out of Pakistan in its entirety, without the involvement of their cricket team. He was quoted as saying, as per the Times of India, “At this stage, don't be surprised if the tournament is played out of Pakistan, and even without Pakistan. If PCB doesn't accept the hybrid model, there is a bright possibility of that happening too.”
It is also understood that the ICC has two options on the table as far as organising the Champions Trophy 2025 with the first one being the hybrid model, wherein India’s matches are played outside Pakistan at a neutral venue. Furthermore, the second option is in regards to moving the eight-team tournament out of Pakistan, while letting the Pakistan Cricket Board retain the hosting rights.
