Pakistan’s May Lose Champions Trophy Completely, and This Time, It’s Not Because of India

The uncertainty comes after the Sri Lanka A cricket team abruptly ended their white-ball series against Pakistan A. The visiting team decided not to play the remaining two 50-over matches, citing safety concerns following political unrest in Pakistan’s federal capital region.

ICC Meeting to Discuss Champions Trophy Venue

The issue has cast a shadow over Pakistan's preparations for hosting the Champions Trophy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting to finalize the tournament’s schedule. However, with several participating nations reportedly voicing concerns about player safety, the possibility of moving the event out of Pakistan is being seriously considered.

According to sources, there is growing pressure on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to agree to a hybrid model, where some matches would be played in Pakistan while others would take place in a neutral venue.

“Some cricket boards have expressed reservations about the current security situation. The PCB may consent to a hybrid hosting arrangement to salvage the event,” a source told IANS.

Setback for Pakistan Cricket

This development marks a significant blow to Pakistan’s efforts to re-establish itself as a safe destination for international cricket. Over the past few years, the PCB has worked tirelessly to bring international teams back to the country after a long hiatus caused by security concerns.

The Sri Lanka A team’s decision to cut their tour short highlights the challenges Pakistan continues to face. This follows similar incidents in recent years where visiting teams have expressed reservations about playing in the country.

Champions Trophy in Jeopardy

The Champions Trophy 2025 was seen as a golden opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its ability to host a major ICC event. However, the latest unrest and subsequent fallout have put that plan in jeopardy.

If Pakistan loses hosting rights, it would not only dent the PCB’s reputation but also deprive the country of the economic and cricketing benefits of hosting an international tournament of this scale.

The ICC is expected to announce its decision on the Champions Trophy venue soon, as the global cricketing community waits to see whether Pakistan can retain hosting rights or will have to settle for a hybrid arrangement.