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Uncertainty Over 2025 Champions Trophy

  • 04 Dec 2024 08:37 AM
  • Champions Trophy 2025, India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, BCCI, Pakistan Cricket Board, India vs Pakistan cricket

The future of the 2025 Champions Trophy is in jeopardy as tensions between India and Pakistan complicate the tournament's organization. India’s Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan without government approval, which remains pending. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially rejected the idea of a hybrid hosting model that would allow India to play in Dubai, but recently showed some flexibility, reportedly agreeing to the hybrid model under certain conditions. However, the BCCI has rejected these conditions, adding further uncertainty to the tournament's future.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar weighed in on the situation, claiming that the Indian team is eager to play in Pakistan, particularly in a high-stakes India-Pakistan match. He emphasized the significant financial potential of such a match, citing the potential boom in TV rights and sponsorships. Despite this, Akhtar acknowledged that the Indian team's absence is primarily due to the lack of clearance from the Indian government. The situation remains unresolved as both boards struggle to find a solution acceptable to all parties involved.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, has not commented specifically on the Champions Trophy. His current priorities include promoting cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics and enhancing the women's game. However, a report indicates that Shah has called for a virtual Board meeting on December 5, though it remains unclear whether the Champions Trophy issue will be discussed. This ongoing uncertainty continues to cast doubt on the event's feasibility in 2025.

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