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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This will be the ninth edition of the tournament, marking its return after an eight-year hiatus since the last event in 2017, which was also won by Pakistan. The tournament will feature the top eight teams from the 2023 ODI World Cup: Pakistan (hosts), India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh.

However, there are significant concerns regarding India's participation. Due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indicated that it is highly unlikely for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. The BCCI has proposed the possibility of India playing its matches at a neutral venue, such as the UAE or Sri Lanka, similar to the arrangement during the Asia Cup 2023. Will India travel to Pakistan? BCCI set to ask for neutral venues in UAE or Sri Lanka? India may not travel to Pakistan, decision rests with government, says report.

The ICC is considering a hybrid model to accommodate this situation, where India's matches could be played outside Pakistan, but the final decision rests with the Indian government. The tournament schedule and format are still under discussion, but it is planned to include key matches in major Pakistani cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This will be the first time Pakistan hosts the tournament, which is returning after an eight-year gap since the last edition in 2017. The event will feature the top eight teams from the 2023 ODI World Cup: Pakistan (hosts), India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh.

Key issues surrounding the tournament include:

1. Political Tensions and Venue Concerns:

- Due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan, the BCCI has indicated that the Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan.

- The BCCI has proposed that India’s matches be played at neutral venues, such as the UAE or Sri Lanka. The ICC is considering a hybrid model to accommodate this proposal, similar to the arrangement during the Asia Cup 2023.

2. Tournament Format and Schedule:

- The Champions Trophy will follow the ODI format, with group stages followed by knockout rounds.

- Matches are planned in major Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The marquee India vs. Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1, 2025, in Lahore.

3. Logistical and Financial Preparations:

- The ICC has included a supplementary budget to cover additional costs if India’s matches need to be moved to neutral venues.

- The final decision on whether India will travel to Pakistan rests with the Indian government, which has not allowed the Indian team to tour Pakistan since 2008 due to security concerns.

4. Recent Developments:

- The ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are actively discussing these issues and preparing contingency plans to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament.

- The PCB is advocating for India to participate in Pakistan, but alternative arrangements are being prepared in case this is not feasible.

Overall, while the Champions Trophy 2025 promises exciting cricket action, the political and logistical challenges, particularly concerning India's participation, remain a significant focus.

This legendary Cricketer retires from International Cricket , SHOCKING REASON

Star cricketer Shoaib Malik last played for Pakistan against Bangladesh in November 2021. Almost three years have passed since then. He could not enter the field for the national team. Still, he dreamed of returning to the Pakistan team again. However, it is no longer fulfilled. Shoaib Malik said goodbye to international cricket without waiting any longer.

Expressing his satisfaction with his current life, Shoaib Malik said, “I have played cricket for Pakistan for many years. Enjoyed the moments very much. I am very happy and satisfied with my current life. I have no desire to play for Pakistan again.”

Malik also said that he has no interest in coaching the national team. The Pakistani all-rounder said, “I am not interested in coaching the national team, but I want to work as a mentor in the domestic team.”