With less than eight months to go, the Champions Trophy 2025 is drawing closer. This event marks the first time in 29 years that Pakistan will host an ICC event. However, there is growing pressure on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is advocating for a hybrid model and refusing to travel to Pakistan over security concerns.
Recently, ICC board members convened in Sri Lanka for the annual meeting but did not make any decisions regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite this, reports indicated that the ICC allocated extra funds to the PCB to facilitate India’s games outside of Pakistan.
In recent developments, Pakistani media reported that the ICC expressed shock over the PCB’s lack of a contingency plan in case India withdraws from the tournament. A source mentioned that the ICC is worried about potential last-minute problems and noted that the PCB and the ICC have not discussed alternative venues such as Dubai and Sri Lanka.
Adding to the controversy, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi criticized the BCCI, accusing them of using security concerns as an excuse. Afridi pointed out that Pakistan has traveled to India despite similar threats. His comments were a response to Harbhajan Singh, who recently advised the BCCI to avoid sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for security reasons.
The situation remains tense as the ICC and PCB navigate these challenges, hoping to find a resolution that ensures the smooth execution of the Champions Trophy 2025.
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