Pakistan, India and the CT 2025: The saga so far

Pakistan were awarded the hosting rights for the competition in November 2021, which is set to run from February 19 to March 9. Last month, however, issues arose when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns.

The two countries have strained political relations which have impact their cricket teams as well. They do not play against each other outside of multinational tournaments like World Cups and Asia Cups. Pakistan came to India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and 2023 50-over World Cup, but India have not played in Pakistan for over a decade now.

The BCCI's stance has meant various discussions and negotiations have taken place over the last month or so, with suggestions of hybrid models and even a shifting of the tournament entirely to the Middle East or South Africa also mooted.

Proceeding with the tournament in the absence of India has never been a realistic option thanks to the amount of TV revenue the team brings in for the ICC and broadcasters.

ICC finally provides update

All the speculation came to an end on Thursday with a statement from the ICC, which announced that a compromise has been reached: "India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed on Thursday, 19 December.

"This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).

It was also announced that the PCB has been awarded hosting rights of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply."

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This hybrid arrangement is not new. Last year's men's Asia Cup was held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and India were the only team that refused to play any of their matches in Pakistan, meaning the co-hosts travelled to Pallekele for their group stage match.

What is new is the confirmation that now Pakistan won't travel to India for ICC tournaments either. Whether this solution is a step in the right direction or simply maintains the status quo remains to be seen.

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