According to the reports, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the front-runners to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in the event that Pakistan withdraws at the last minute.
According to Pakistani media on Sunday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in writing that India will not be visiting Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy due to security concerns.
Broadcasters and advertisers expect both teams to play in high-stakes matches, therefore the ICC may have contractual issues if Pakistan does not participate.
Potential repercussions include a decrease in ICC’s financial distribution to member countries, legal issues with business partners, and possible revenue cuts.
India’s team visited Pakistan for the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, and the Pakistan Cricket Board wants them to return.
The PCB opposes the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) request that the ICC hold the Indian Cricket Team’s matches on a hybrid basis, with the final most likely to be held at Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
If both boards are not in agreement, there is a very good chance that the big event’s location may change.
Since playing in the Asia Cup in 2008, India has not visited Pakistan due to the two countries’ severe political relations. The bitter rivals now mostly compete in ICC competitions and Asia Cups after playing their final bilateral series in India in 2012–13, which was a white-ball series.
Citing security concerns, India has steadfastly maintained its position that it will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the BCCI, said earlier this year that India will only visit Pakistan with permission from the Indian government.
Notably, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year, albeit it was a hybrid format. Pakistan hosted the remaining matches, while Sri Lanka hosted India’s matches.