Image: The ICC Champions Trophy venue may be moved due to political unrest in Pakistan / © SportingNews
With each passing day, cricket fans eagerly await news regarding the host country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Originally slated to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the tournament’s future has become increasingly uncertain due to ongoing political unrest in the country.
Former cricketer Madan Lal has raised concerns about the feasibility of hosting such a prestigious event in a nation facing such instability, stating, “How can Pakistan host the Champions Trophy when the country is burning?” The political chaos, especially in Islamabad, has led to the postponement of key cricket series, including the Pakistan Shaheens’ matches against Sri Lanka A, due to safety fears. In the statement given, he said:
How can Pakistan have a champions trophy, when your country is burning. It’s better for Pakistan to play outside and make money for cricket. Sometimes ego kills you.
Furthermore, India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan has added to the pressure, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) advocating for a hybrid model, where some matches would be played outside Pakistan. Despite these challenges, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm in its stance to host all matches domestically.