ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has prepared a proposal regarding the Champions Trophy 2025, which has become the center of sports as well as politics.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan, but India’s decision not to go there has thrown the entire situation into disarray.
According to a Cricbuzz report, on Wednesday (November 27), the ICC has called a board meeting on Friday (November 29) to discuss the tournament next year. India has refused to play in Pakistan, and now the ICC is looking for a solution that can satisfy all parties.
Hybrid model proposed
In the hybrid model offered by the ICC, some matches of the tournament can be played in Pakistan and the rest of the matches can be played in any other country.
According to reports, the proposal is to hold 10 matches in Pakistan and 5 matches in another country. This includes the semi-finals and the final. But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not happy with the proposal. The PCB has already made it clear that it will not accept the hybrid model and wants to host the entire tournament in Pakistan.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to officially announce the decision. But according to sources, the BCCI has already informed the PCB and the ICC about the decision.
India’s stand is somewhat reminiscent of the 2023 Asia Cup controversy, when India refused to play in Pakistan and the tournament was held in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.
Challenges of hybrid model
- The hybrid model may be a temporary solution, but it has its own major logistical and operational issues.
- Traveling between Pakistan and the other host country and ensuring the safety of the teams will be extremely challenging.
- Having matches in different countries can create time zone issues, which can impact the broadcast and fan experience.
- If India does not qualify for the last four or the final, both the semi-finals and final could be held in Pakistan. But this is just a possibility and there may be many obstacles.
The PCB has given a clear message to the ICC and BCCI that it will not compromise on its rights.
Pakistan is fully prepared to host India. Hotels, stadiums, security arrangements – everything is pre-booked.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan are not just limited to cricket. Political relations between the two countries have been poor for a long time, and this also has an impact on sports. The rivalry between the two teams on the field of play is one of the most watched events around the world, but political tensions often overshadow the thrill.
After this, all eyes are on the November 29 meeting of the ICC. In this meeting, it will be decided what changes will be made in the venue of the tournament.
