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The 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, which will feature eight teams, is scheduled to take place in Pakistan next year.
The schedule of the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan next year, is likely to be announced in a couple of days. According to a report in India Today on Tuesday (November 19), which quoted a source familiar with the developments, the ICC is in discussion with the host Pakistan and other participating members, and the schedule of the tournament is expected to be released soon.
“We are still in discussions with the host and participating members on the Champions Trophy schedule. It should be out soon, likely in a couple of days or so,” a source was quoted as saying.
PCB has time and again said that the eight-team tournament will be played entirely in the country, but according to the latest information, “back-channel negotiations are underway to convince the PCB that adopting a hybrid model is the most pragmatic solution, given that India is unlikely to travel across the border for the 50-over tournament in February and March next year.”
It has been reported that “top cricket administrators are emphasising the importance of India’s participation in the marquee ICC tournament, given the significant following and revenue the Men in Blue bring.”
“The PCB has also been made aware of the financial consequences if they withdraw from the event. Pakistan has been urged to refrain from making statements against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and to start working towards a hybrid model to facilitate smooth planning for the eight-team tournament,” the report added.
While speaking to reporters in Pakistan on Monday, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that all the qualified teams are ready to travel for the ICC event, and if India has any concerns, the board is ready to talk and ensure the concerns are taken care of. According to him, there’s no reason why India can’t come to Pakistan for the first ICC event in the country since the 1996 ODI World Cup.
“Every other team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. No one has any concern,” Naqvi said.
“If India has any concerns, we will talk, and we will ensure that concerns are taken care of. I don’t think there is any reason why India can’t come to Pakistan.
“Hopefully, all the teams will come,” he added.