The International Cricket Council recently withdraw from a main event for the 2025 Champions Trophy to be held at Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The said tournament was supposed to be a curtain-raiser program during the countdown of the 100-day mega tournament but did not happen after so many controversies about India’s participation. This is due to persistent diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, forcing the ICC to weigh a so-called “hybrid model.” Apparently, this model calls for some of the games, particularly those involving India, to be played in the UAE.
At this juncture, the PCB has expressed unhappiness over this decision, especially considering it is without a word on paper. The ICC is seeking comments from the PCB on a hybrid model proposal wherein it may retain Pakistan as the prime host but allow India’s matches to be played outside of the country.
Also read, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Host, Fixture, Schedule, Dates, Teams, India Probables, and Qualify Teams
The ICC might shift the whole Champions Trophy to South Africa. Africa would be appearing as a possible reserve host. Already South Africa has developed cricketing infrastructure, and it is already favorable to host the tournament. Hosting the tournament in a country might ease logistics, help schedule time Table smoothly, and avoid political controversies as well, though Pakistan would lose a high-profile hosting opportunity.