The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clearly stated that it will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.In response, UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, said that the UAE is ready to host the thrilling India and Pakistan match if required.
While the BCCI is unwilling to go to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insists on holding the entire tournament in Pakistan.
The situation remains uncertain, with both sides sticking to their positions. Where the India and Pakistan match could be held in Dubai, the UAE Ambassador says:
In a recent update, sources informed Geo News about a new plan for upcoming ICC tournaments. According to this plan, India will play all their matches, which were originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan, in Dubai.
Similarly, Pakistan will play matches, which were meant to take place in India, also in Dubai. This new arrangement will apply for next three years, starting with the Champions Trophy in 2025.
As talks continue about the best way to host the tournament, UAE Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali expressed interest in hosting the thrilling India vs. Pakistan match. He said, “Why wouldn’t we? We have always hosted these games and will keep doing so in the future.
The UAE is open for business and sports.” His comments were made in response to a question about the UAE’s willingness to host the match during the Champions Trophy.
On Friday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) held a meeting with all its members to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan next year.
The following day, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PPCB), Mohsin Naqvi, reaffirmed Pakistan’s position. He rejected the idea of hosting the tournament in a hybrid model and suggested that a new plan might be developed instead.
“We will do what’s best for cricket. It’s definitely not a hybrid formula, but if a new plan is made, it will be fair to everyone. We won’t accept one-sided decisions, and all choices should be based on equality,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PPCB), while speaking to reporters in Dubai on Saturday.
Because of the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, India has not visited in Pakistan since 2008, when they played in Asia Cup.
The last time the two countries played a series against each other was in 2012-13 in India, featuring limited-overs matches. Since then, India and Pakistan have mainly faced off in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, referred to the BCCI’s concerns about “security issues.” He said in a press briefing that it is “unlikely” the Indian team would travel to Pakistan for matches.
