Thursday 10 April 2025
Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan ‘May Pull Out’ As Host Following India’s Refusal to Travel
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The Champions Trophy 2025 is a hot topic in sports right now. The tournament scheduled in February is viewing many turns of events. The latest news regarding the tournament speculates that Pakistan may withdraw as the host. A report in Dawn (Pakistan’s leading English Newspaper) states that Pakistans hosting rights may be stripped following India’s refusal to travel to the country.
The report further cites that the Pakistani administration is considering instructing the Pakistan Cricket Board to refuse to stop playing India in any ICC or Asian Cricket Council events. This is till the ongoing issues between the two countries are resolved.
Amid the critical political relations between India and Pakistan, team India has not traveled to Pakistan since 2008, when they played the Asia Cup there.
India has firmly upheld its position of not traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, highlighting security concerns. Earlier this year, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla reaffirmed that India would only travel to Pakistan if allowed by the Indian administration.
The official spokesperson said, The PCB has sent a letter to the ICC seeking clarification. He also added that the board is waiting for Pakistan governments advice before deciding any further step.
The tournament was designated to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This is also the first time Pakistan hosts a global ICC event since co-hosting the ODI World Cup in 1996. The Pakistans move to host the tournament aims to showcase that, despite being frequently criticized for security concerns, the country is a secure venue for major international tournaments.
The Cricbuzz report suggests that if the tournament is either relocated or postponed, the PCB could face ICC sanctions. This will include significant cuts to its funding, it the country decides to withdraw.
The report further added that postponing the Champions Trophy would mean losing out on potentially USD 65 million as hosting fees, substantial money for the PCB. Additionally, this loss would rankle further observing PCBs investments to upgrade infrastructure for the Champions Trophy at the three earmarked venuesKarachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.
In case Pakistan withdraws from the event, the ICC would face contractual challenges, with broadcasters and sponsors expecting both teams to play in high-stakes matches. This will also result in the legal disputes with commercial partners, potential revenue drops. The situation will also observe a decline in ICC’s financial distribution to members are likely consequences.
With the BCCI advocating for a hybrid model, there are possibilities for the venue of the event to be changed.
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