The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to finalize the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, as uncertainty looms over India’s participation in Pakistan, the host nation. Despite a board meeting held on Friday, no concrete decisions were reached, and further discussions are expected in the coming days.
The tournament, scheduled to start on 19 February, faces a major hurdle due to India’s long-standing refusal to travel to Pakistan, stemming from ongoing political tensions. The last bilateral series between the two nations took place in 2008, and their recent encounters have been limited to neutral venues in major tournaments. Notably, Pakistan did travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has previously dismissed the suggestion of a “hybrid model” where India’s matches would be hosted in a different country. However, with the deadlock persisting, it seems increasingly unlikely that the tournament will be hosted entirely in Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy holds significance as the first global cricket event Pakistan would host since 1996. The ICC’s decision in the coming weeks will be crucial not only for the tournament’s fate but also for cricket relations between India and Pakistan.