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Champions Trophy 2025 in limbo after India refuses to travel to Pakistan

Champions Trophy 2025 in limbo after India refuses to travel to Pakistan

Champions Trophy 2025 hangs in balance after India's refusal travel to Pakistan

The Champions Trophy 2025 is in limbo after India refused to travel to Pakistan with less than three months to go for the coveted International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament. As things stand, neither Pakistan nor India are on the same page which could result in the postponement of the tournament. The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 with eight teams participating while India’s participation still remains in limbo.

Champions Trophy to be postponed?

Currently, neither Pakistan nor India are taking a step back from their current stance, meaning no compromise is yet to be reached on the tournament's location. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is determined to play the entire tournament in its own backyard providing India flexibility of Lahore as their venue (geographically closer to India). However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reluctant to travel to Pakistan but has kept doors open for a hybrid model.

However, it is the ICC that is in limbo now considering neither is ready to take a step back from their demands. This could result in the postponement of the Champions Trophy 2025 until a solution is found. Pakistan has also refused to play in a hybrid model having seen the majority of the 2023 Asia Cup matches move outside the nation despite being the official host.

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Not the first time Champions Trophy could be postponed

In 2008, owing to terrorist attacks in Pakistan and a state of unrest, the ICC decided to pull the trigger on the hosts and postpone the Champions Trophy. The tournament was postponed to 2009 and was hosted by South Africa where Australia defended their crown. If a solution is not found the ICC willbe left with two options- either to postpone the Champions Trophy 2025 or replace India with the next best unqualified ODI team.

Considering India’s commercial value in cricket in terms of TV and digital market, the latter option is highly unlikely. Also with Jay Shah assuming office as the Chairman of the Board of the ICC, the decision will mostly likely favour India.