By Geoff Allardice, Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has reaffirmed that there are no current plans to move the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from Pakistan, scheduled for February-March 2025. Despite rumors suggesting the tournament could be relocated due to political tensions and safety concerns, particularly regarding India’s participation, Allardice reassured reporters that no teams have expressed a desire to withdraw from the competition.
In preparation for hosting this major event, extensive renovations are underway at key stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to bring them up to international standards. These venues will host high-profile matches during the tournament.
Speculation about the tournament’s relocation stems from uncertainty over India’s participation. The Indian team has reportedly considered skipping the tournament due to safety concerns and strained political relations between the two countries. However, Allardice emphasized during a press conference in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup that the ICC is committed to hosting the event in Pakistan, and all teams remain dedicated to competing.
Pakistan last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, defeating India in a memorable final in England. This will be the first time Pakistan has hosted an ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup.
Eight of the world’s top teams—South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Australia, New Zealand, England, India, and defending champions Pakistan—are set to compete in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka and the West Indies will not participate in this edition of the tournament. While Pakistan eagerly anticipates hosting the event, India’s participation remains uncertain, as the team has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to stalled bilateral relations.
