Richard Gould, Chief Govt of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has shared insights concerning the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) awarded Pakistan the internet hosting rights for this prestigious event, scheduled for February-March subsequent 12 months. Nonetheless, uncertainty looms over India‘s participation as a result of longstanding political tensions between the 2 international locations, which have prevented India from visiting Pakistan for over 15 years.
Pakistan’s internet hosting milestone and India’s potential absence
The upcoming Champions Trophy will mark Pakistan’s first main multi-nation cricket event because the Asia Cup 2008. Whereas Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup 2023, India’s matches had been relocated to Sri Lanka as a result of safety considerations. Consequently, solely 4 matches of the event came about in Pakistan, with the remaining 9, together with the ultimate, held in Sri Lanka.
India, lately topped T20 World Cup champions, has not toured Pakistan since 2008. It stays unlikely that the Males in Blue will journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to suggest a hybrid mannequin, the place the Indian crew would possibly play their matches in Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a substitute.
Additionally READ: Will India go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025? BCCI responds
England and Wales Cricket Board’s final stance
Now in an interview with BBC Check Match Particular throughout the tea break on Day 1 of the third Check between England and the West Indies Gould confirmed the ECB’s dedication to supporting the Champions Trophy’s profitable internet hosting in Pakistan, regardless of considerations about India’s participation. Gould emphasised the robust willpower of each the ECB and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to make sure the event proceeds as deliberate.
“There’s an excessive amount of willpower to ensure it [Champions Trophy] is [hosted in Pakistan next year]. Significantly from the PCB and the ECB,” Gould was quoted as saying by the Wisden.
Potential event particulars and Pakistan’s legacy
The Champions Trophy is about to start on February 19 in Karachi, with the ultimate slated for March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. India are positioned in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. The extremely anticipated India-Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, the place all of India’s video games will likely be held. Pakistan will the event because the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2017 by defeating India by 180 runs. The Males in Inexperienced will intention to copy their success on residence soil, including to the event’s historic significance.
