Champions Trophy, an 8-team event that will make its comeback in international cricket in 2025, is set to be moved out of Pakistan, the original designated hosts of the tournament. Champions Trophy was last played in 2017 which Pakistan won and were set to host the much-awaited ICC tournament at home after a long time.
However, with political tensions between India and Pakistan, still boiling hot, India would not be travelling to Pakistan, if their stance continues to be same, as it was during the Asia Cup. So, the tournament might be hosted by Dubai, or in a hybrid model – just like Asia Cup 2023.
There were clouds hovering out Pakistan hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy after BCCI denied any chances of Indian team travelling to Pakistan during the Asia Cup hosting issue. However, Asia Cup was under ACC and India managed to convinced other ACC members for an hybrid model, whether they can do the same for an ICC event, which includes 8 top teams in the world, is now a matter of debate.
As far as moving the whole tournament to other country is concerned, U.A.E has been used as an alternative to Pakistan for more than a decade now. So, it is the most viable option at this point in time, and may end up hosting their first Champions Trophy.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will be the 9th edition of the tournament and the first one after 8 long years. India and Australia have won the title twice while Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies have each won the title once.
