Champions Trophy 2025 faces potential relocation from Pakistan

The Champions Trophy, an 8-team tournament that will return to international cricket in 2025, is expected to be relocated from Pakistan, the originally designated host nation.

Pakistan won the most last Champions Trophy in 2017 and was eagerly anticipating hosting the prestigious ICC event on home soil once again after a lengthy absence.

However, due to the ongoing simmering political tensions between India and Pakistan, India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan if their stance remains unchanged from the Asia Cup hosting issue.

Therefore, the tournament could be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or follow a hybrid model similar to the Asia Cup 2023.

Concerns arose regarding Pakistan’s hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy after the BCCI ruled out any possibility of the Indian team playing in Pakistan during the Asia Cup hosting controversy.

However, the Asia Cup fell under the purview of the ACC, and India successfully persuaded other ACC members to adopt a hybrid model.

Whether they can replicate this approach for an ICC event involving the world’s top eight teams remains a topic of discussion.

In the event of the entire tournament being relocated to another country, the UAE has always served as a viable alternative to Pakistan.

Consequently, it emerges as the most probable choice at this juncture, potentially hosting its maiden Champions Trophy.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will mark the tournament’s ninth edition and its first in eight years. While India and Australia have each claimed the title twice, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies have each emerged victorious once.