The Champions Trophy has been one of the world’s most fascinating ICC tournaments. Being played in the 50-over format, the Champions Trophy was last played back in 2017, which was won by Pakistan. India was defeated in the Champions Trophy finals back in 2017.
There has been much buzz regarding the Champions Trophy, as this time around it is to be held in Pakistan. The defending champions have turned host this time around. The buzz has been over ICC fixing the venue, though they were known to have sanctioned PCB’s petition of budget for the Champions Trophy.
However, what has been a major concern for them and the ICC is whether India will travel to the neighbouring country, as the two nations are often in a state of political and diplomatic unrest.
Several Pakistani ex-cricketers have done their part in luring the BCCI and the Indian players to visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC tournament. Some have said it would be a new challenge for them, while some highlighted Virat has a hundred in every part of the world except Pakistan.
While some players like Shahid Afridi and Kamran Akmal went on to say that Rohit and Virat should come to Pakistan to enjoy their large fan base in the country, as many of their fans will accept them with wide open arms.
Nothing has been officially announced by the BCCI regarding it, and hopefully, Secretary Jay Shah will make a decision alongside the India board over the Indian team’s visit to Pakistan, or they will move their fixtures to other venues in the UAE or Sri Lanka.
ALSO READ: IND vs BAN: India announces squad for Bangladesh Test series: as KL Rahul and Pant make red ball returns, Yash Dayal gets his maiden call in Tests
Now, there have been reports that suggest that the ICC might make the schedule for the Champions Trophy official by next month. However, for now it has been assumed that the Champions Trophy will be held in February-March 2025. Also, the Champions Trophy will be Jay Shah’s first big ICC assignment after being appointed as the chairman.
