The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is facing an uncertain future as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the event, having failed to receive necessary government clearance. Pakistan, the designated host, remains firm on its stance against a hybrid model, where India’s matches would be played at a neutral venue, and has now demanded a formal clarification from the ICC.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has kept the two nations from playing bilateral cricket since 2012-13, has confined their encounters to ICC and Asian Cricket Council tournaments. The 2023 Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, was held under a hybrid model in which India played its matches in Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declared that the Champions Trophy will not follow this model.
As reported by Cricbuzz, the PCB’s firm stance could risk sanctions if the tournament is disrupted, potentially jeopardising ICC funding for Pakistan and costing the board up to USD 65 million in host fees. The PCB recently invested significantly in upgrading Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore stadiums in preparation for the Champions Trophy. These upgrades are part of PCB’s assurance to the ICC of Pakistan’s capability to host major events, highlighting successful recent tours by England and New Zealand as proof of its robust security arrangements.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Sources reveal that the PCB is unwilling to consider hosting the tournament outside Pakistan, even in the UAE, should the ICC propose moving the event to a neutral location. Meanwhile, a launch event planned in Lahore to officially announce the Champions Trophy preparations has now been postponed, according to an ICC insider.
The ICC is currently in discussions with participating teams regarding the schedule and is yet to formally respond to the PCB’s demands.
Also read | Nagaland: Headhunters win Kargil war martyr’s memorial football trophy