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[Saba Sports News] The 2025 Champions Trophy, slated to be hosted in Pakistan, marks a historic moment for the country, gaining hosting rights from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in November 2021. This opportunity holds significant weight, considering the last major ICC tournament hosted in Pakistan was the 1996 ODI World Cup, which they jointly held with India and Sri Lanka.
However, the strained political relations between India and Pakistan are well-documented. The last time Team India toured Pakistan was in 2006. Additionally, earlier this year, Pakistan had the rights to host the 2023 Asia Cup exclusively. However, due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, the tournament adopted a hybrid model. Consequently, Pakistan hosted only four matches, with the remaining ones moved to Sri Lanka.
The challenge persists for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they endeavor to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send their team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. If India opt out, similar logistical challenges might arise, accompanied by a significant increase in expenses, as per reports.
Recent discussions during ICC meetings in India have reflected optimism from PCB authorities regarding a potential agreement, as reported by Cricket Pakistan. Pakistan’s stance underscores a thorough evaluation, in consultation with an independent security agency, if any country cites security concerns and refuses to travel to Pakistan.
The recent trend of participating teams, excluding India, successfully competing in Pakistan without encountering security issues highlights the improved safety conditions in the country. The proposal firmly advocates for hosting all matches in Pakistan, emphasizing this stance unless a validated security concern arises.
Notably, Pakistan has successfully hosted bilateral series against cricketing powerhouses such as Australia, England and New Zealand across various formats since 2022.
The reports additionally highlight the potential significant role the Indian government could play in preventing their team from traveling to Pakistan. In the event of such a scenario, contingency plans may come into play, including the possibility of relocating the matches from Pakistan to another country.
Simultaneously, discussions are underway to guarantee full compensation for the substantial financial losses Pakistan would likely incur, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) being consulted for a comprehensive resolution.
The ninth edition of the tournament is scheduled for February-March in 2025, featuring the participation of eight teams. Notably, the tournament will mark a comeback after an eight-year hiatus, and intriguingly, it is originally planned to unfold in the home country of the defending champions, Pakistan.