The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially named Pakistan as the host for the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February to March next year. The announcement, accompanied by a new visual identity for the men's and women's Champions Trophy tournaments, comes amid escalating diplomatic concerns, as India’s government has expressed reluctance to send its cricket team to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has relayed this stance to the ICC and proposed a hybrid model, allowing India to play its matches outside Pakistan.

ICC releases visual identity, affirms Pakistan’s host status

The ICC’s latest video showcases Pakistan as the official venue for the Champions Trophy, highlighting cultural landmarks like Lahore’s Shahi Qila and unique elements of Pakistani truck art. An ICC statement describes the Champions Trophy as a "thrilling two-week competition" with top teams competing in a tournament format where "every match counts." The men’s event, returning for the first time since 2017, will see eight teams competing for the white jackets awarded to champions, while the newly introduced women's Champions Trophy, set for 2027 in Sri Lanka, will adopt the T20 format with six teams competing.

In its statement, the ICC added, "The Champions Trophy will now occur every two years, alternating between a men’s ODI tournament and a women’s T20 event, bringing intense competition and historic moments as teams battle for the iconic white jackets."

ICC reveals Logo and Brand Identity for Champions Trophy. pic.twitter.com/ckJN5vZZT6

— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) November 13, 2024

See Also: Sunil Gavaskar shares untold anecdote of India-Australia rivalry with Allan Border

India’s hybrid model proposal sparks diplomacy and debate

The BCCI’s hybrid model proposal is aimed at enabling India to participate in the tournament without crossing borders into Pakistan. However, the Pakistan government has reportedly directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to relocate any games outside Pakistan. The tension surrounding this arrangement continues as the PCB and BCCI seek a resolution. Despite the ongoing discussions, the ICC’s promotional video reinforces Pakistan’s position as host, underscoring the anticipation for the nation to welcome international teams after nearly a decade.

Pakistan is the reigning champion of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, having defeated India in a memorable final in 2017 in the UK. With the tournament's return, cricket fans and players alike are eager to witness the unfolding of one of cricket’s premier events. The inclusion of the first-ever women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 marks a significant step for the ICC’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket on the global stage, offering both excitement and opportunity for players worldwide.

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed its decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) are busy to find solutions quickly. 

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan will host an ICC tournament. 

India last toured Pakistan in 2008. Even in the last Asia Cup (2023), which was played in the ODI format, Pakistan was the host nation, but the BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan forced the PCB to host the tournament in a hybrid model. Sri Lanka majorly hosted the Indian matches and the final. 

So, the BCCI’s negative decision to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was highly expected. 

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma to miss first Test against Australia in Perth

What did the BCCI tell the ICC?

According to media reports, the BCCI has clarified that the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy is acceptable to them only if Dubai hosts the tournament final.  

A source told PTI, “Unless the PCB decides to pull out of hosting the Champions Trophy the current plan is to hold India’s matches in UAE and the final in Dubai. The Indian Cricket Board has told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is acceptable to them only if the final is held in Dubai and not in Pakistan. The ICC has told the PCB that if it decides to go ahead with the hosting of the mega event on a Hybrid Model it would get its full hosting fees and majority of the matches.”

Present status on hosting the ICC Champions Trophy on a hybrid model

Meanwhile, the PCB wants clarifications from the ICC on BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan. According to media reports, the PCB is still not thinking of hosting the tournament on a hybrid model and is hopeful to host the complete tournament in Pakistan. 

A PCB source told PTI, "There is no talk about having the Champions Trophy on a Hybrid Model system as of now. An email is to be sent to the ICC with the advice of its legal department in which the Board wanted clarifications from the ICC on the Indian decision. As of now, the entire situation is being gauged by the PCB. No decision has been taken on the next step. Yes, the PCB is in touch with the government for consultation and directives if required."

The ICC Champions Trophy is returning after eight years. England and Wales hosted the last ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where Pakistan won their first title in the competition after beating the defending champions India in the final of the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run between eight teams. Apart from the hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, and England will participate in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. 

The question of whether India will travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been stirring debate on social media and in cricketing circles. Set to kick off on February 19, 2025, with the final on March 9, the Champions Trophy will be hosted across three venues in Pakistan—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. With tensions high due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching for decisions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their team’s participation.

PCB confident of hosting India; Rizwan hopes for a warm welcome

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently expressed optimism about India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, stating that the tournament would proceed as planned with all teams present. Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s readiness and the country’s hope to see their historic rivals in Pakistani stadiums. Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s newly appointed limited-overs captain, echoed Naqvi’s sentiments, highlighting the warmth and camaraderie that cricket can foster between the two nations.

"Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India during the 2023 World Cup,” Rizwan shared. “We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here. If they come, they’ll receive an awesome welcome.” Rizwan’s remarks, along with Naqvi’s confidence, underscore Pakistan’s desire to bridge gaps through cricket, even as political challenges remain.

"Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India during the 2023 World Cup. I'm unsure if they're coming for the Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain - if they come, they'll receive an awesome welcome here." pic.twitter.com/oFfaP4jbzw

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) October 29, 2024

See Also: CSK’s retention hints spark IPL 2025 buzz

Concerns over player safety linger: Harbhajan Singh shares his take

The possibility of India’s participation, however, face hurdles beyond just political factors. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh raised concerns about player safety in Pakistan, which has long been a contentious issue for Indian cricket. “Safety is paramount for our players. If there’s no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn’t travel to Pakistan,” he said in an interview with Times of India. Harbhajan’s views reflect a broader sentiment within Indian cricket circles that the security situation must be thoroughly evaluated before any travel decisions are made.

While the PCB is hopeful for a successful tournament featuring all teams, including India, the ultimate decision rests with the BCCI and the Indian government. Political tensions and security issues will continue to shape the debate leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy, with fans across both nations eagerly awaiting a potential showdown.

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the country is likely to face a huge setback, especially if India qualify for the knockout stages, including the tournament final. 

While the ICC Champions Trophy is set to return, Pakistan is getting ready to host the first ICC tournament after the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996. According to the initial reports, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will be venues for this upcoming tournament.

SEE ALSO: Will India travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy? PCB chief reveals

India last time played in Pakistan in 2008

Due to the political tension between the two countries, India haven’t played in Pakistan after the Asia Cup 2008. The last time, India and Pakistan played a bilateral series in any format was in January 2013. 

Now, India and Pakistan only meet any ICC or ACC tournaments. However, India don’t go to Pakistan to play any tournament. 

Pakistan officially hosted the Asia Cup 2023. However, India played all their matches in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan is still hopeful about India’s presence in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. This eight-team tournament is likely to be played between February 19 and March 9, 2025. However, the official schedule hasn’t been announced yet.

The Indian government is likely to take the final decision on India’s travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC tournament. As the Indian government previously rejected India’s travel to Pakistan, we can expect the same decision for the upcoming ICC tournament.

Dubai can host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final

According to the Telegraph.co.uk report, Lahore is likely to lose hosting the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially if India qualify for the final.

According to that report, Dubai is likely to host the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The report further added that the team India will probably play all group matches of the tournament in Dubai.

If Pakistan jointly hosts the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with the United Arab Emirates, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may suffer significantly in the financial book.

While Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, there is a big question of whether the Indian national cricket team will travel to Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has opened up his views on it.

Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 and March 9. If Pakistan hosts all the matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will be venues. 

Pakistan previously hosted an ICC tournament in 1996 during the ICC Cricket World Cup, which Sri Lanka won after beating Australia in the final. 

SEE ALSO: India Women to host WODI series against New Zealand after WT20 WC

The last time the Indian cricket team traveled to Pakistan was in 2008

Due to the political tensions between the two countries, India haven’t played a bilateral series against Pakistan since January 2013. Meanwhile, the BCCI hasn’t sent the Indian cricket team to Pakistan since their tour in Pakistan in 2008 during the Asia Cup.   

So, the PCB has a big concern about India’s presence in Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If India deny coming to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC tournament, the PCB will be forced to shift India’s matches to other neighbouring countries. Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates can be good alternative options for Pakistan in this case, but the PCB can then suffer a good amount of profit. 

The Indian government is likely to take the decision on India’s fate to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Previously, the Indian government didn’t allow the Indian national cricket team to travel to Pakistan, including during the Asia Cup 2023, where India played all matches in Sri Lanka. 

The Indian team should come: PCB chairman

However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is confident in team India’s presence in Pakistan during the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Naqvi said, "The Indian team should come. I don't see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.” 

There are also some questions about the stadiums' complete availability during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the stadiums’ reconstructions are running, Naqvi is also hopeful about it. 

The PCB chief said, “The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament. In a way, you can say that we are going to have a brand new stadium."

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian national team in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2023 to 2025

and also in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025. In a video message Jay Shah shared recently, “I am confident that under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, we will win the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy.”

Jay Shah’s confidence in Rohit’s leadership

Rohit Sharma secured his first International Cricket Council (ICC) trophy as captain when he led the Men in Blue to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the United States of America (USA) and West Indies.

Rohit Sharma’s path to captaincy

Rohit took over as captain of the Indian team in late 2021, following Virat Kohli’s decision to step down from leadership. Initially facing mixed results, including losses in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2022, the team rebounded the following year to win the Asia Cup.

India had a remarkable journey in the 2023 ODI World Cup, winning 10 consecutive matches before narrowly losing to Australia in the final in Ahmedabad.

In T20 matches, Rohit successfully led India to victory in the World Cup, making them the first team in the tournament’s history to claim the title without losing a single game. In Test cricket, Rohit has guided India to series victories against Australia and England on home soil.