India’s 2025 Champions Trophy Matches Likely To Be Shifted From Pakistan To UAE
India and Pakistan have been facing each other only in ICC events in the last years (X.com)
India’s share of 2025 Champions Trophy matches will likely be shifted from Pakistan to UAE. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has previously expressed their concerns about staging India’s cricket ventures, citing security reasons.
Pakistan likely to co-host 2025 Champions Trophy
As per recent reports, India’s matches scheduled to be played in Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy might well be shifted to the UAE.
The BCCI have previously prevented the Indian team from travelling to Pakistan, citing security concerns. Back in September last year, the ‘Men in Blue’ played their share of 2023 Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka, even though Pakistan was originally designated as the sole hosts of the tournament.
Much like the 2023 Asia Cup, next year’s Champions Trophy event might also follow the hybrid model, which will see Pakistan co-host the tournament with UAE.
Indian cricket team’s and BCCI’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan stems from the prevailing geo-political tensions between the two countries.
Teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand have toured Pakistan within the last couple of years. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has repeatedly expressed their desire to host Indian players, an ICC official recently acknowledged India’s firm stance by saying:
“Don’t forget threat perception for an Indian cricket team would always be higher compared to Australia, England and New Zealand.”
Interestingly, the PCB also expressed similar concerns before sending the Pakistan team to India last year for the 2023 World Cup. However, the ‘Men in Green’ players ended up travelling to India, where they finished fifth on the 10-team points table.
Citing Pakistan’s sporting gesture, one can assume that the BCCI might take a softer stance this time around by arranging India’s travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.