Pakistan’s Hosting Prospects Plummet: Champions Trophy Eyed for 2025 as ICC Considers Venue Shuffle

In an interesting development, discussions are underway within the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding a potential exchange of hosting rights for major cricket events between 2024 and 2025. According to sources, the West Indies and the United States could relinquish their hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup in exchange for another event of similar stature at a later stage. In return, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, originally scheduled in Pakistan, could be moved to the West Indies and the United States as compensation. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may also receive financial compensation for the loss. 

Discussions in place 

Although these discussions are currently in the verbal stage among the cricket boards, the ICC, and other stakeholders, it is believed that the broadcasters for the next ICC media rights cycle are supportive of the proposed idea. England, Scotland, and Ireland are emerging as favorites to host the 2024 T20 World Cup if it is relocated from the West Indies and the USA. The United Kingdom is considered well-suited to organize the tournament in June, the month it is currently scheduled. 

The decision to potentially assign the 2025 Champions Trophy to the West Indies and the USA would provide the USA with additional time to establish the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, hosting fewer matches compared to a T20 World Cup would make the tournament more logistically viable. The success of the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, which was held across only three venues, Birmingham, The Oval, and Cardiff, serves as an example of a more streamlined tournament. 

Documents yet to be signed 

It is important to note that none of the countries involved in these potential hosting exchanges haven’t yet signed the hosting agreements. The process of formalizing these arrangements could begin in July when the ICC members convene at the annual conference in Durban. The ICC may propose that the PCB agrees to the swap, accompanied by appropriate financial benefits to the PCB. 

While these discussions are still ongoing and subject to further deliberations, they highlight the willingness of cricket boards and the ICC to explore mutually beneficial arrangements for hosting prestigious events. The final decisions regarding the potential three-way barter will be made after due consideration by all stakeholders involved. 

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