The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is determined to host all Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan. This stance will be reiterated at the ICC’s annual meeting.
Recently, there have been talks about using alternative venues or a hybrid approach. These topics will be discussed during the ICC meeting from July 19 to 22 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will attend the meeting and strongly advocate for Pakistan’s position. Despite discussions about contingency plans, PCB is diligently preparing three venues in Pakistan. Significant investments are being made to upgrade the stadiums for the prestigious event.
A PCB official stated, “Pakistan is fully prepared to host all eight participating teams on home soil. While discussions about plan B or hybrid formats continue, our focus remains on delivering a seamless Champions Trophy experience in Pakistan.”
India’s participation is contentious due to their historical reluctance to play in Pakistan. Sources suggest that PCB views India’s stance as fragile, which could affect future bilateral cricket engagements. If India opts out of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan might reconsider participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.
Pakistan aims to assert a strong position at the ICC meeting, emphasizing the importance of honoring hosting commitments and ensuring the growth and stability of cricket in the region.
