Pakistan’s aspirations to host the 2025 Champions Trophy took a major hit following the recent socio-political unrest in the country, which led to Sri Lanka A canceling the remaining two 50-over matches against Pakistan A. The unrest, particularly in the capital, Islamabad, prompted concerns about security, which may now threaten Pakistan’s chances of hosting the prestigious event. Sources suggest that the Champions Trophy could be moved out of Pakistan altogether, with some participating countries expressing security concerns ahead of the event.Pakistan Faces Risk of Losing the Champions Trophy, and It’s Not Due to BCCI.
The development comes just a day before the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board’s virtual meeting, where the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy will be discussed. As the situation in Pakistan escalates, including a security lockdown in the capital due to protests from supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the prospect of hosting the tournament in the country looks increasingly unlikely. Several cricket boards have raised concerns about the security situation, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) potentially agreeing to a hybrid model for the tournament, in which some matches would be held outside the country.Pakistan Faces Risk of Losing the Champions Trophy, and It’s Not Due to BCCI.
This setback is particularly painful for Pakistan, as the country had been hoping to host its first ICC event since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. However, this incident has further complicated matters, especially after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, making it less feasible for the tournament to be held there. The situation has now heightened the possibility of the ICC taking the hosting rights away from Pakistan.Pakistan Faces Risk of Losing the Champions Trophy, and It’s Not Due to BCCI.
For more than a decade, international teams were hesitant to tour Pakistan following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team. It was only recently that countries like England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka agreed to send their teams for short tours. The cancellation of Sri Lanka A’s tour due to safety concerns now casts a shadow over Pakistan’s ability to safely host the Champions Trophy, which could lead to the event being relocated to another host nation.
