Sat Nov 30 06:52:09 UTC 2024: ## ICC Champions Trophy Future Uncertain as India Refuses Pakistan Trip

**Dubai, Nov 29:** The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, originally slated to be hosted by Pakistan, hangs in the balance following an inconclusive ICC meeting. The meeting, attended by ICC members, failed to resolve the impasse created by India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns.

The BCCI has firmly stated that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan, forcing the ICC to consider a “hybrid model” – a solution that would see some matches played in a neutral venue, likely the UAE, while others remain in Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, however, have expressed their opposition to this model, preferring all matches to be held within Pakistan. They have requested a day to consult their government before making a final decision. A further meeting is scheduled for November 30th.

The hybrid model under consideration would involve India playing its matches in the UAE, including a semi-final and the final, while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan. This would maintain Pakistan’s hosting rights while addressing India’s security concerns.

If Pakistan rejects the hybrid model, the ICC may be forced to strip Pakistan of hosting rights and relocate the entire tournament, a scenario that could lead to Pakistan boycotting the event. However, sources suggest that the PCB may ultimately agree to the hybrid option.

This situation comes after a statement by BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, reiterating the Indian government’s position prioritizing player safety. A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs echoed these concerns, stating that security anxieties make an Indian team visit to Pakistan unlikely. India hasn’t played cricket in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Champions Trophy, returning to the ICC calendar after 2017, which Pakistan won, is scheduled for February 19th to March 9th, 2025. The uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s location casts a shadow on its upcoming edition.

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