Pakistan’s biggest nightmare has come true, as the country is on the verge of losing another major competition.
According to Dainik Jagran and other sources, on the back of India’s continued hesitance of touring Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering shifting the 2025 Champions Trophy to a neutral location.
As of now, ICC is considering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a viable option, much like the 2021 T20 World Cup. Furthermore, a hybrid model is also being contemplated, with Pakistan playing host to the non-India matches of the tournament.
A hybrid model was implemented in the 2023 Asia Cup. Pakistan were the solitary hosts as per the scheduling, but due to India’s reluctance to travel across the border, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) settled on dividing the matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan only hosted four matches in the 2023 Asia Cup, whereas Sri Lanka hosted all of India’s matches, including the final, among other fixtures. According to previous reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked the ICC about compensation for hosting rights if the event is not held in Pakistan.
The PCB had also suggested the ICC to rope in an independent security agency, which could cooperate with the security personnel in Pakistan to arrange the safety of teams partaking in the tournament.
The BCCI is adamant about avoiding traveling Pakistan because to the two countries’ weak and turbulent political relations.
Furthermore, the situation may not be in the BCCI’s hands because any prospective adjustment must come from the Indian government.
Pakistan has not hosted a major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup
The 2025 Champions Trophy was meant to make a big statement about Pakistan’s potential to host a major tournament.
The infamous 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan squad severely harmed their credibility, and they have only just managed to claw their way back by hosting Zimbabwe, the West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, and England.
However, Pakistan’s wait to host a big event again appears to be indefinite, since the BCCI is unlikely to change its attitude.
Pakistan last hosted a major event in 2008, with the Asia Cup. The country’s last ICC competition was the 1996 ODI World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.
