The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday (December 15) signed the hosting rights for the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

PCB chief Zaka Ashraf and ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall were present during the signing at the ICC headquarters in Dubai.

The PCB mentioned that Pakistan has started preparations for the marquee event with security for visiting teams being a top priority.

“The PCB in its capacity has already intimated the government to provide foolproof security to visiting international teams for the Champions Trophy. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a recent meeting with Chairman PCB Management Committee assured the security agencies’ cooperation in the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” the PCB said in a press release.

Back in November 2021, ICC had awarded the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting rights to Pakistan. However, the hosting of the tournament has been shrouded in uncertainty due to security issues, particularly involving India's participation.

Speculations are rife that the ICC might consider relocating the tournament or adopting a hybrid model similar to the Asia Cup 2023, where matches involving India were held in Sri Lanka.

Reports claim that Dubai could be an alternative venue because the likelihood of India travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy is nearly zero.

(India Today Inputs)