Sat Nov 30 13:31:43 UTC 2024: **India’s Refusal to Tour Pakistan Threatens 2025 Champions Trophy**
**Islamabad, November 30, 2024** – The future of the 2025 Champions Trophy, awarded to Pakistan, hangs in the balance due to India’s refusal to play in the country. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring a hybrid model, splitting matches between Pakistan and a neutral venue, but faces resistance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
While the PCB has reportedly agreed to the hybrid model, it has stipulated that the final match must be held in Lahore, even if India doesn’t reach it. Furthermore, the PCB demands that any future ICC tournaments hosted by India also adopt a hybrid model, ensuring reciprocal treatment. They have firmly stated that if Pakistan cannot play in India, then India cannot play in Pakistan. This follows a longstanding dispute, with India not playing in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The proposed tournament dates are February 19th to March 9th. The ICC is reportedly concerned that the absence of an India-Pakistan clash would severely impact the tournament’s success and profitability. While the ICC continues to try to persuade the PCB, the hybrid model now seems the most likely outcome. The tournament’s schedule remains unconfirmed.
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