ICC’s Plan B Ready If India Declines To Travel To Pakistan For 2025 Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to return in 2025, with Pakistan set to host the tournament from February 19 to March 9. However, the decision to hold the event in Pakistan has raised significant concerns about India’s participation due to ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between the two nations. As Pakistan is the defending champion and the tournament’s return was announced in 2021 after a hiatus since 2017, there are uncertainties surrounding whether India will travel to Pakistan for the matches.

ICC’s Contingency Measures

To address potential issues, the ICC has reportedly allocated a budget of approximately $65 million to cover the costs of hosting matches in alternative locations if India opts out of traveling to Pakistan. This decision was made during the ICC’s recent AGM in Colombo, ensuring that all contingencies are covered. The budget includes expenses related to staging the event outside Pakistan if necessary.

Match Venues and Schedule

A planning meeting and venue inspections in Pakistan were conducted in March 2024, leading to significant upgrades at the three proposed match venues. According to the draft schedule, India is set to compete in Lahore, with their matches including a high-profile clash against Pakistan on March 1.

The group stage will also see India facing Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23. Despite the preparations, the ICC’s backup plan underscores the ongoing uncertainties and the importance of flexibility in managing the tournament’s logistics.