Champions Trophy May Be Relocated to South Africa Amid Pakistan-India Dispute, Claims Indian Media
Indian media reports suggest that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy could be moved entirely to South Africa if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) does not accept a proposed “hybrid model” allowing India to play at a neutral venue. The speculation arises as the PCB continues to uphold its position on hosting all matches within Pakistan.
According to sources, the decision regarding a potential relocation will be deliberated at the next ICC board meeting, where a formal vote would be required to approve any venue change. The ICC is currently awaiting an official response from the PCB to an email sent last week regarding the matter, with further actions contingent on the board’s reply.
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The PCB has already submitted a letter to the ICC, seeking clarification on India’s refusal to play in Pakistan and questioning the grounds for its position. India has consistently maintained that its government has advised against playing matches in Pakistan, proposing Dubai as an alternative location for its games. In response, the PCB is reportedly considering a “minus-India” approach, proceeding without India if they decline to play in Pakistan.
The PCB’s stance draws on historical precedent, citing the 1996 and 2003 Cricket World Cups, where Australia and the West Indies declined to play in Sri Lanka, and New Zealand and England refused to play matches in Kenya and Zimbabwe, respectively. In those cases, the ICC awarded points to the opposing teams of the boycotting nations. The PCB may reference these instances to reinforce its position in future discussions with the ICC.
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