The promotional video released by Star Sports India for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has ignited debate in the cricketing world. The promo notably omits any reference to the tournament’s host country, Pakistan, fueling the ongoing “Champions Trophy hosting dispute.” It features visuals from the 2024 T20 World Cup and prominent players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma but excludes Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy victory.
Host Nation Excluded
The absence of Pakistan in the promo has raised eyebrows, particularly as the nation is set to host the tournament in February-March 2025. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet released an official schedule, the promo’s lack of acknowledgment of Pakistan as the host has added to the speculation surrounding the event’s venue.
This development comes amid ongoing disagreements between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI has refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing government restrictions and proposing a hybrid model.
PCB Pushes for Written Guarantees
The PCB has expressed concerns over the hybrid model’s implications for future ICC events. According to reports, the PCB has demanded written guarantees from the ICC regarding the implementation of the hybrid model in upcoming tournaments. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about these developments, earning praise for his firm stance on retaining Pakistan’s hosting rights.
Read: Ahmed Shehzad Criticizes Pakistan Batters After South Africa Defeat
Historical Context and Rising Tensions
This is not the first time the venue for an ICC tournament has sparked controversy. The BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan reflects broader political tensions between the two nations.
The promo’s exclusion of Pakistan has also been criticized for ignoring the nation’s significant achievements in international cricket.
What Lies Ahead?
The “Champions Trophy hosting dispute” has become a focal point in cricket discussions worldwide:
Cricket enthusiasts await clarity on whether Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy in full or if the hybrid model will reshape the tournament’s structure. The decision will not only impact the 2025 event but also influence international cricket’s direction in the coming years.
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