ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is most likely to be played in Pakistan after the Asian nation signed the hosting rights for the event in December 2023. However, as per sources, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will not put any pressure on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the India cricket team to Pakistan.
Due to bitter political relations between the two nations, it’s highly unlikely that India will travel to the country for the mega event.
Moreover, an ICC board member recently revealed that the cricket’s governing body may ponder over alternative options for the smooth conduct of the tournament one of which might be hosting in a hybrid mode.
Notably, the Asia Cup 2023 which was to be held in Pakistan was conducted in a hybrid model for India. As many as nine games out of 13 were shifted to Sri Lanka.
As ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, there will be more clarity on the ‘hybrid model’ and UAE could well serve as the second location to host the ICC event.
Notably, a total of eight teams will participate in the event and they will be divided into two groups of four each where India’s games could be held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.