The ICC Champions Trophy is all set to be hosted in 2025 at Pakistan. This will be the first edition of the competition since Pakistan won it in 2025. The competition has been a stage for elite cricketing nations to clash against each other and this time the opportunity is once again back in the ODI format. Although there has been controversy whether Pakistan will continue to host the competition as India might not agree to travel to Pakistan due to the tension between the two neighbouring countries. While Pakistan has continued their preparation to host the competition, there has been proposal to convert the competition to a hybrid model much like the recent Asia Cup 2023 and take India's matches to the UAE. There has been reports that such a solution is getting considered. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah to Meet PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai on October 20, Discuss on Champions Trophy 2025 Likely to Take Place: Report.

ICC has awarded the final, on March 9, to Lahore. But Telegraph Sport understands that alternative options are being informally considered in case India reach the final, with Dubai likely to be the new venue. At the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, India were guaranteed to play their semi-final in Guyana, regardless of where they finished in the preceding stage. Should the hybrid model be adopted for the Champions Trophy, India would be guaranteed to play their semi-final and, potentially, final away from Pakistan, while other teams were unsure about what country they would potentially play in.

The Champions Trophy is set to run from February 19 to March 9 with venues for all 15 games officially confirmed in Pakistan. The International Cricket Council is proceeding with plans for the tournament on this basis, with no board discussions yet about switching any portion of the competition. India has not played in Pakistan since 2008. Pakistan on the other hand, visited India for a limited over series in 2012-13 and then visited India in for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023. ICC are yet to make a final decision. PCB Undertakes 12.8 Billion Rupees-Worth Renovation of Stadiums Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

All India’s group games in the competition have been awarded to Lahore, which is only two hours from the border with India and easily accessible by road. While the schedule made India’s logistics for the tournament as easy as possible, India’s team are still not permitted to travel to Pakistan. Unless that changes in the next four months, all of India’s games – including the group clash with Pakistan – could be played in the United Arab Emirates instead. India will also play New Zealand and Bangladesh in their pool matches. At this stage, tournament organisers remain hopeful that the Champions Trophy will be played in full in Pakistan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2024 07:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).