The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is still hanging, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is waiting for the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on whether to travel to Pakistan or not. However, several recent media reports claim that the ICC has a strong backup plan in case the BCCI finally decides not to travel to Pakistan. 

Pakistan has been awarded the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It will be Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since hosting the World Cup 1996. 

Due to political and security issues, the BCCI doesn’t want to travel to Pakistan. The BCCI reportedly wants the Indian cricket team’s matches to be in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to host all Indian matches at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore. 

Present condition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champion Trophy is set to return in 2025 after eight years. Although there is no public announcement on the tournament schedule, the ICC has reportedly shared a draft schedule with its stakeholders, including the broadcasters and all eight participating cricket boards. 

The 20-day tournament is likely to be played between mid-February and early March 2025. The India vs Pakistan group stage match has reportedly been scheduled for 1st March in Lahore.

However, there is no clear indication from the BCCI on their travel matter in Pakistan for the upcoming ICC tournament. 

On the other hand, the ICC has reportedly approved an additional budget in case Indian matches shift to another country. It clearly means that the ICC is ready for the hybrid hosting model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

PCB chief recently visited Dubai

In the meantime, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi recently visited Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It creates more curiosity about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting. 

However, Cricket Pakistan has denied any chance of a hybrid hosting model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It claims that Naqvi’s Dubai visit was related to the renovation of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.