ICC Agrees to Pakistan as Champions Trophy 2025 Host: Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request for the Champions Trophy 2025 Host rights has been accepted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), as per local media reports.

Check 2025 Champions Trophy Hosting Rights Officially Granted to PCB by ICC

According to these reports, the previous management committee had some concerns after reviewing documents from the ICC.

They sought advice from senior lawyers, but a resolution wasn’t reached when ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice visited Pakistan in May.

Pakistan’s stance was clear: if any country declines to visit Pakistan due to security concerns, they would seek an assessment from an independent security agency rather than making unilateral decisions. The ICC has agreed to this approach.

Initially, plans are set to host all matches in Pakistan. However, there’s uncertainty regarding the Indian team’s potential visit due to concerns from the Indian government. This decision is pending.

There’s a suggestion that if India doesn’t send their team, some matches might be relocated to the UAE. But this would require extra costs covered by the ICC and adjustments in the tournament format might be needed.

Zaka Ashraf, head of the PCB management committee, met with Khalid Al Zarooni from the Emirates Cricket Board, though the Champions Trophy wasn’t specifically discussed. However, the UAE has shown support for Pakistan.

While Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights earlier, the formal agreement was only signed recently in Dubai after a long deadlock. Zaka Ashraf, alongside Jonathan Hall, ICC General Counsel, signed the agreement at the ICC headquarters.

The PCB has informed the government about the need for robust security for visiting teams during the Champions Trophy.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar assured cooperation from security agencies to ensure a successful event in a recent meeting with the PCB Chairman.