Published: Jul 15, 2024, 06:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 16, 2024, 10:54 AM (IST)
With each passing day, a new report on ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan is coming out. While there were initial rumours of India travelling to Pakistan, BCCI vice president later clarified that no such decision has been made. Now, a new report claims that ICC might hold Team India’s matches for the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
The whole issue emerged since BCCI and India have shown hesitation in travelling to Pakistan. The Team hasn’t toured the neighbouring country in 16 years for now, with the last time going there for the Asia Cup 2008.
A final decision from the ICC would only be made at its annual conference in Colombo from July 19-22. The report further suggested that a ‘contingency budget’ is being considered for the tournament as well. If the matches are shifted out of Pakistan, Dubai will emerge as a likely venue.
If that is the case, matches will be split between Karachi and Dubai to make travelling easier. Lahore and Rawalpindi are also being considered.
Last year during Asia Cup, team India also refused to travel to Pakistan, and their matches were hosted by Sri Lanka. If the Champions Trophy also follows the hybrid model, then Pakistan could suffer losses in revenue. On top of that, if India goes further up the tournament, the semi-finals and finals could even be considered to moved out of Pakistan.
Along with that, it is also being widely reported that India and Pakistan will be held in the same group again, i.e. Group A. The group will also have New Zealand, Bangladesh, while Group B will comprise of Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan.
