PCB signs Champions Trophy 2025 hosting rights with ICC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Friday, December 15, signed the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025 with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Zaka Ashraf, the chairperson of the PCB, and Jonathan Hall, the ICC General Counsel, were present during the signing at the ICC headquarters in Dubai.

The PCB mentioned that Pakistan has started preparations for the tournament with security for visiting teams being a top priority.

“The PCB in its capacity has already intimated the government to provide foolproof security to visiting international teams for the Champions Trophy. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a recent meeting with Chairman PCB Management Committee assured the security agencies’ cooperation in the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” the PCB wrote in a press release.

Pakistan was



initially announced as the host for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking a significant milestone as it would be the first global cricket tournament the country would host alone since being awarded the opportunity.

This announcement was made on November 16, 2021, during the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. However, the hosting of the event has been shrouded in uncertainty due to political tensions and security concerns, particularly involving India's participation.

Speculation suggests that the ICC may consider relocating the tournament or adopting a hybrid model similar to the Asia Cup 2023, where matches involving India were played in Sri Lanka.

Reports indicate that Dubai could be an alternative venue. The likelihood of India travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy is considered nearly zero, casting doubt on Pakistan's ability to host the event as initially planned.