Image: Pakistan has invited Saudi Arabia to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 / © Circle of Cricket
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to hit the screens from Pakistan, despite ongoing controversies. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia’s cricket head, Prince Saud bin Mashal Al-Saud, to attend the matches. Originally scheduled in Pakistan, the tournament faced challenges after India refused to travel due to political tensions.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is now exploring a hybrid model, where India will play its matches outside Pakistan, likely in Dubai. This model, initially opposed by Pakistan, has been accepted, but Pakistan also wants the same arrangement for future ICC events hosted by India. Since 2008, India hasn’t been able to travel to Pakistan amid the ongoing controversies and hence the things have been tough for both the sides.
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, divided into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals. India’s group includes Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan. The final tournament schedule is expected to be confirmed by the end of this week.