DUBAI: International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Jeff Allardyce has reiterated that there are no current plans to move the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from Pakistan.
In a media briefing for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardyce expressed strong confidence in Pakistan as the tournament host. He highlighted the ICC’s ongoing engagement with its member countries, including Pakistan, to ensure the successful execution of the event. “As of now, the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, and we have no plans to relocate it. While we are exploring solutions, we are committed to the current plans,” Allardyce stated.
Allardyce also addressed concerns about team participation, assuring that no team has shown hesitation. “All teams are committed to playing in Pakistan. Despite past challenges, all participating teams are determined to compete there,” he added.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, known as the ‘Mini World Cup,’ will feature eight elite teams that include India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, based on their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
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Pakistan, the defending champion, won the 2017 Champions Trophy under the leadership of former captain Sarfraz Ahmed by defeating India in the final held in England.
There have been concerns about India’s participation due to political tensions, leading to speculation that the tournament might be moved to the UAE. However, Allardyce dismissed these rumors, referencing past precedents such as the hybrid format of the 2023 Asia Cup and the UAE-hosted 2018 Asia Cup due to similar issues.
Despite these speculations, Allardyce affirmed that there are no immediate plans to relocate the Champions Trophy, reaffirming the ICC’s commitment to holding the event in Pakistan as scheduled.
