South Africa and UAE may host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if Pakistan opts out. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security threats complicates matters, potentially leading to legal challenges for the ICC regarding broadcast and sponsorship contracts.
Sources indicate that South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the leading contenders to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, should Pakistan withdraw participation at the last minute. Recent reports suggest that the Pakistan media has revealed communications from the International Cricket Council (ICC), indicating that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to security concerns.
The issue of the Champions Trophy venue is deeply intertwined with the long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan. India has not played in Pakistan since 2008 due to security issues, and past tournaments have seen India opt for neutral grounds. The current proposal includes a hybrid model for India’s participation, similar to arrangements made during the Asia Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board is advocating for India to travel to Pakistan, citing previous instances of such cooperation in tournaments.
In conclusion, the potential withdrawal of Pakistan from the ICC Champions Trophy could lead to South Africa or the UAE hosting the event in 2025. The situation remains complex due to ongoing discussions concerning security and mutual cooperation between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan. The outcome will significantly affect contractual relationships with broadcasters and sponsors, as well as ICC’s financial dynamics.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
