ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Secures Hosting Rights Amidst Bilateral Strain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finalized the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with the ICC. Amid security concerns and strained bilateral relations with India, the historic agreement marks Pakistan's first major ICC tournament hosting since 1996. The BCCI's stance on India's participation remains undisclosed.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sealed the hosting rights agreement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 alongside the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a pivotal deal signed in Dubai. The ceremony, attended by PCB Chair Zaka Ashraf and ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall, marked a historic moment for Pakistan's cricketing landscape. The signing ceremony, held on December 15, symbolized a significant milestone for the PCB, given that the nation hadn't hosted a major ICC tournament since the closure of the 1996 ODI World Cup.

Security preparations for the marquee event have garnered substantial attention, with all eyes fixated on Pakistan's arrangements. To ensure a smooth tournament and reassure visiting international teams, Ashraf and his committee are leaving no stone unturned. A PCB media release highlighted their efforts, noting the board's communication with the government to guarantee foolproof security measures for the Champions Trophy. The reassurance of security agencies' cooperation by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar further solidified Pakistan's commitment to hosting a successful tournament.

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However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained silence regarding India's participation in the tournament. Tensions between India and Pakistan have hampered cricketing relations, with no bilateral series between the two nations since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. India hasn't visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, while Pakistan's last bilateral series in India was in 2012-13.

Recent occurrences, including the Men's Asia Cup 2023, hosted in Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to security concerns, suggest the BCCI might object to sending the Indian team to Pakistan. This echoed the previous scenario where India played in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted select teams. Such diplomatic challenges might affect India's involvement in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosted by Pakistan.