Champions Trophy 2025: Schedule Delayed as PCB Sets Conditions for ICC and India

Less than 75 days are left for the commencement of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but the eagerness has been marred by a delay in the official announcement of the schedule of the tournament. While the world of cricket is awaiting the schedule, formidable challenges pertaining to venue logistics and diplomatic tensions have come to the fore. The Pakistan Cricket Board, which retains the hosting rights, has placed a critical condition before the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

The Hybrid Model: A Controversial Solution

The ICC, which held a series of meetings in Dubai, agreed to a ‘hybrid’ model of hosting the tournament. With this decision being taken most of the matches of the league will be held in Pakistan, while India’s matches along with one semifinal and the final are likely to be held in Dubai. This is after India refused to play matches on Pakistani soil owing to political tensions between the two countries.

Although this model is considered to be feasible, it has not yet been approved fully. The PCB, therefore, has made it pretty clear that the board would agree to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy only after getting an assurance in writing from ICC and BCCI that all ICC tournaments which India would host in the future would also have a similar model, enabling Pakistan to play its matches outside India.

Pending Government Approval in Pakistan

This move by the PCB also requires an endorsement from the Government of Pakistan. The board is seeking a nod from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to get the deal finalized. A meeting between the PCB chairman and the Prime Minister has taken place and a decision on the same is also expected soon.

If passed, Dubai will host all of India’s matches, including the high-voltage game against Pakistan scheduled for March 1, 2025. If India makes its way into the semifinals and final, it too will be staged in Dubai. Meanwhile, the rest of the tournament will be played across various venues in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Hybrid Model Demand: A Historical Context

This is not the first time Pakistan has called for a hybrid hosting model. For the Asia Cup 2023, it had been agreed that India’s matches would be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, instead of Pakistan. The stakes are higher for the Champions Trophy, though, with the PCB pushing for long-term commitments from the ICC regarding its future events.

The result of these negotiations could well be a precedent in international cricket tournaments in politically sensitive regions. With the game of cricket having greater influence, the administrators, commonly known as “godfathers of cricket,” have much to say in the destiny of the game.

Conclusion

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9. Eight teams will take part, divided into two groups of four. The top two teams from each group will go forward into the semifinals, culminating in the grand finale.

The cricketing action will be high-level, though, despite logistic hurdles. Fans around the world will see top-team action vie for the lofty title. Cricket fans around the world can also get a glimpse of the online matches on websites like Winexch, which enables people to “watch live cricket for free“.

FAQ

• When will the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule be announced?

It will come out very soon pending a proper hybrid hosting model from PCB and the Pakistan government.

• Why is India not playing their games in Pakistan?

Because of political reasons, India said no to traveling to Pakistani grounds for matches, which enforced a hybrid hosting model.

• Hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025?

Most of the matches under this model will be staged in Pakistan, with India’s matches, one semifinal, and the final staged in Dubai.

• What condition has Pakistan made to ICC and BCCI?

PCB has asked for written assurances from ICC that a similar hybrid model would be in place in all future ICC events hosted by India and thus, Pakistan can stage its respective matches outside India.

• Where to watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

These matches can be watched online by fans on sites such as Winexch, offering “watch live cricket free.