(AFP Photo)
The ICC is contemplating a hybrid approach for the 2025 Champions Trophy amidst reports suggesting that the Indian team may skip the tournament in Pakistan. Since the 2008 Asia Cup, diplomatic tensions have prevented India from touring Pakistan.
According to a report from The Express Tribune, the ICC has initiated discussions on alternative arrangements in case the BCCI decides against sending their team across the border.
Earlier, ANI reported that the BCCI has asked the ICC to relocate India’s matches to Sri Lanka or Dubai.
The matter is expected to be deliberated upon during the upcoming ICC annual conference scheduled in Colombo from July 19 to 22, focusing on India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan.
Furthermore, the report mentions that a backup plan involving a “contingency budget” is under consideration for hosting the Champions Trophy matches outside of Pakistan, with Dubai emerging as a probable venue.
According to a proposed plan, the matches for the Champions Trophy could potentially be split between Karachi and Dubai to facilitate smoother travel logistics. However, cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi are also being considered.
Last year, the BCCI cited government denial of permission as the reason for not traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. After extensive discussions, the tournament was eventually co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
If the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy is approved, there’s a chance that one of the semi-final matches and the final could be relocated from Pakistan.
A recent report outlined the draft schedule for the tournament, last held in 2017, grouping India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in Group A, while Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan are in Group B.
The upcoming Champions Trophy would mark Pakistan’s first hosting of a global ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which they co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.
