The ICC reportedly thought of a February-March window for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly identified a potential window for the return of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled for February 19th to March 9th, 2025. This marks the tournament’s comeback after an eight-year hiatus, with the last edition held in England and Wales in 2017.
Accommodating ICC events within the ever-crowded cricket calendar has proven challenging. However, this eight-team tournament could be staged after the conclusion of several T20 franchise leagues. The recently announced SA20 is set for a January 9th to February 8th, 2025 season, and similar timelines are expected for leagues like the ILT20 and BPL.
Specific match days are yet to be confirmed, but the preference leans towards a Friday start and a Sunday final, mirroring the format of the 2017 edition. According to Cricbuzz, the ICC has already informed member nations about this potential window, allowing them to schedule their domestic T20 leagues accordingly and avoid scheduling conflicts.
However, a major question mark hangs over India’s participation in a Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy. While a different host nation seems unlikely, a “hybrid model” could be a possibility if India remains adamant about not travelling to Pakistan.
The 2023 Asia Cup employed a similar approach, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. The report suggested that frosty diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan are likely to persist, and the Indian government’s stance may not change.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly proposed holding all of India’s matches in Lahore to minimise travel and allow fans to witness the marquee clashes. However, it remains to be seen if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government will accept this proposal.
“We will have some ideas in the next two months,” an unnamed source told Cricbuzz. A clearer picture regarding India’s participation and the overall tournament format is expected to emerge after the ICC’s annual conference in Colombo this July.
Last Updated on June 9, 2024
