(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The upcoming ninth edition of the Champions Trophy, originally slated to be hosted by defending Champions Pakistan, faces uncertainty. Recent reports by Dainik Jagran suggest a relocation of the tournament from Pakistan is highly probable. The Indian government might refrain from sending its team to Pakistan, citing political and security concerns.
Consequently, the spotlight is now on the UAE as the probable host for the tournament, or the competition could take place in a hybrid model.
This scenario echoes the Asia Cup 2023, where Pakistan, the designated host, had to adopt a hybrid model. Most matches were held in Sri Lanka, with only four games hosted in Pakistan. India’s unavailability to travel to Pakistan was the prime reason for this altered format.
Pakistan, bereft of hosting a major multinational tournament since the 1996 ODI World Cup, faces prolonged uncertainty. Prospects for hosting the Champions Trophy in February-March 2025 appear bleak. The UAE emerges as the favored alternative, with all eight participating teams seemingly amenable to relocating.
Sources indicate that during a recent meeting in Ahmedabad, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf and COO Salman Naseer engaged with the ICC executive board to discuss the hosting rights of the tournament. The PCB staunchly advocated for fair compensation from the ICC in the event of India not sending its team and matches relocating to another country.
Additionally, although the ICC declared Pakistan as the hosts of the tournament in November 2021, a crucial decision regarding the hosting agreement with the country is pending from the governing body.