The fate of the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is hanging in the balance due to escalating political unrest in Pakistan, the designated host nation. As tensions rise, with protests and violent unrest in Islamabad, former cricketer Basit Ali and other experts believe that the ICC’s meeting scheduled for November 29 may be rendered less relevant. The meeting was initially meant to resolve the impasse between India and Pakistan over the tournament’s location, but the political instability in Pakistan, compounded by the recent withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s A team due to security concerns, has complicated matters further.
India has already made it clear that it will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament scheduled between February 19 and March 9, 2025. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has steadfastly opposed the idea of a hybrid model, which was implemented during the 2023 Asia Cup when India played their matches in a neutral country. The PCB insists that the tournament should be held entirely in Pakistan, with matches played in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, the ongoing political situation, particularly the violent protests following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has raised serious concerns over security for international teams, forcing the ICC to consider alternative options.
The ICC, which has already faced difficulties in finding a resolution, is now likely to propose a hybrid model during its meeting. This model would involve India’s three group-stage matches, as well as a semifinal and the final, being played in a neutral country, most likely the UAE, with the remaining matches taking place in Pakistan. This proposal comes as the ICC scrambles to find a solution that satisfies both the PCB and the BCCI, as well as the broader cricketing world.
The ICC’s decision will depend heavily on the approval of the PCB, which is currently under pressure to accept the hybrid model despite its initial rejection. If Pakistan does not agree to the hybrid proposal, the tournament may be relocated entirely, leaving Pakistan without the significant financial gains from hosting the event. This would be a major blow to the PCB, which is already grappling with economic challenges and cannot afford to lose such a high-profile tournament.
The situation is further complicated by the logistical challenges of hosting the tournament in Pakistan amidst political turmoil. With Rawalpindi, located near Islamabad, being one of the designated venues, other teams and countries are closely monitoring the developments, as concerns grow over the safety of players and officials. The cancellation of Sri Lanka’s A team tour to Pakistan, which was cut short due to security concerns, has only intensified these fears.
A potential compromise is the hybrid model, which could allow Pakistan to still host part of the tournament while addressing India’s security concerns by shifting some of the matches to a neutral venue. This solution would also ensure that the ICC Champions Trophy goes ahead, albeit with adjustments. The UAE is seen as the frontrunner for hosting neutral matches due to its proximity to Pakistan, which would reduce travel time for teams.
However, the ultimate decision rests with the PCB. If the PCB rejects the hybrid model outright, the ICC may face a situation where the tournament is either moved out of Pakistan or postponed. This would not only disrupt the 2025 Champions Trophy but could also have long-term implications for future multi-team events, particularly with India scheduled to host major tournaments, including the 2025 Women’s World Cup, the 2031 Men’s World Cup, and the 2029 Men’s Champions Trophy. Pakistan, under such circumstances, could seek to replicate the hybrid model for future tournaments hosted by India, which would significantly alter the landscape of international cricket.
The next few weeks will be critical as the ICC and PCB navigate this delicate situation. The ICC, which has a vested interest in ensuring the Champions Trophy proceeds smoothly, is likely to hold a vote on the hybrid model during the meeting on November 29. If a majority of members back the proposal, it will be up to Pakistan to decide whether to accept it or risk losing out on the opportunity to host the prestigious tournament.
With the global cricket community watching closely, the outcome of this meeting will not only determine the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy but also shape the future of cricket’s multi-national events in the years to come.
