Dubai, (TDI): International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Jeff Allardyce has reaffirmed that there are currently no plans to relocate the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from Pakistan.
During a media briefing for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardyce expressed confidence in Pakistan as the host nation. He said that the ICC is actively engaging with its member countries, including Pakistan, to ensure successful event execution.
“As of now, the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be staged in Pakistan, and we have no plans to move it. We are exploring solutions, but for the time being, we are adhering to the current plans,” Allardyce stated.
Allardyce also assured that no team has expressed reluctance to participate in the tournament. “All teams are committed to playing in Pakistan. Despite past challenges, all participating teams are determined to compete in Pakistan,” he said.
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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, often referred to as the ‘Mini World Cup,’ will feature eight elite teams: India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, based on their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Pakistan, the reigning champion, won the Champions Trophy in 2017 under the leadership of former captain Sarfraz Ahmed by defeating India in the final held in England.
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However, there are ongoing concerns regarding India’s participation in the tournament due to political tensions.
The Allardice, press conference, however, ruled out such speculation that the Champions Trophy might be shifted to the UAE, following the precedent set by previous tournaments.
For instance, the 2023 Asia Cup was played in hybrid form as India’s matches moved to Sri Lanka due to unwilling to travel to Pakistan, while the 2018 Asia Cup was hosted in the UAE after Pakistan refused to travel to India over security concerns.
Despite these speculations, Allardyce has dismissed any immediate plans to relocate the Champions Trophy, emphasizing the ICC’s commitment to staging the event in Pakistan as scheduled.
