New Delhi, Nov 27: The fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy hangs in balance as political unrest in Pakistan has raised serious security concerns among participating nations. The situation escalated following Sri Lanka A’s decision to abruptly cut short their white-ball series against Pakistan A, casting a shadow over the country’s ability to host the marquee event.
Sources close to the International Cricket Council (ICC) have revealed that the global cricketing body is exploring alternative venues for the tournament. The matter is expected to dominate discussions in a virtual ICC Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, where the final schedule for the Champions Trophy is on the agenda.
Security Concerns Multiply
The unrest in Pakistan’s federal capital has intensified, with large-scale protests erupting after the arrest of former Prime Minister and cricketing icon Imran Khan. Thousands of his supporters have stormed the city, leading to lockdowns in several key areas. This has raised alarm among international cricket boards, with many voicing their apprehensions over sending teams to Pakistan.
“Some other cricket boards have also expressed concern. The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) may agree to a hybrid model,” a source told IANS, hinting at a compromise solution where Pakistan could co-host the tournament with another nation.
However, the possibility of a hybrid model may not entirely alleviate concerns, as doubts about Pakistan’s security infrastructure continue to grow.
Sri Lanka A Tour Cancellation – A Major Setback
The PCB’s efforts to project Pakistan as a safe destination for international cricket suffered a severe blow on Tuesday when the Sri Lanka A team decided to abandon the remaining two one-day matches of their series against Pakistan A. This decision came directly in response to the growing socio-political instability in the region.
This incident is a significant setback for Pakistan, which was hoping to host its first ICC event since 1996. It has also revived memories of the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan men’s team in Lahore, which kept Pakistan isolated from hosting international cricket for over a decade.
While Pakistan has hosted successful bilateral series in recent years, including tours by England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, the abrupt cancellation of Sri Lanka A’s tour has raised fresh doubts about the country’s suitability to host a global event like the Champions Trophy.
India’s Refusal and Mounting Pressure
The complications surrounding the Champions Trophy are compounded by India’s earlier decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Relations between the two countries remain strained, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly opposed playing matches across the border.
This latest episode of unrest further diminishes the feasibility of hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
The ICC is now under increasing pressure to reconsider the PCB’s hosting rights, with several member boards raising concerns over the safety of their players and officials.
ICC’s Decision Looms
The ICC’s decision on the venue could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan cricket. The PCB was banking on the Champions Trophy to cement the nation’s return as a regular host for major international events.
However, the current scenario has not only jeopardized their hopes for the 2025 tournament but also cast doubt on Pakistan’s credibility as a host nation in the future.
As the ICC Board meeting approaches, the likelihood of the Champions Trophy being moved out of Pakistan is growing stronger. With political unrest showing no signs of abating and international boards hesitant to commit, the ICC faces a critical decision that could reshape the tournament’s course.
