PCB faces challenges as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws nearer

• Pakistan will host ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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• The CT25 may have hypbrid format.
• The CT25 may clash with franchise leagues.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has awarded Pakistan the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finalized this hosting agreement with the ICC in Dubai last year in December. Despite the PCB’s recent announcement of a substantial financial investment to renovate three key stadiums for the tournament, several issues remain unresolved.

Given the current situation, it seems uncertain whether the Indian cricket team will tour Pakistan. This could lead to the implementation of a hybrid model, akin to the 2023 Asia Cup, which might increase costs.

Sources suggest that India prefers to play its Champions Trophy matches on home soil, while the PCB has yet to make a decision. The possibility of the UAE hosting India’s matches is being considered.

The scheduling of the Champions Trophy in February and March adds to the complexity, as it coincides with other major cricket leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), SA20, Bangladesh Premier League, and ILT20. Currently, both the board and the franchises are unsure about the schedule of the tenth edition of PSL next year.

Mohsin Naqvi, the new PCB chairman, is slated to represent the board at the upcoming ICC meeting next week. Naqvi plans to have open discussions with the ICC and Indian board officials regarding the Champions Trophy, in hopes of finding solutions and gaining clarity.

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