ICC confirms 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan to go ahead as planned

ICC Chairman Greg Barclay has said that the 2025 Champions Trophy will go ahead as planned as the cricket's governing body is confident that Pakistan will host its first-ever global event in 29 years comfortably.

Barclay cleared the air after Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur remarked that countries have been reluctant to visit Pakistan. New Zealand and England cancelled their tours recently but ICC Chairman is positive that the teams would travel to Pakistan in 2025.

"From what we can see, absolutely. There has been international cricket in Pakistan for a few years, all of it with the exception of what happened in the last few weeks," Barclay said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Barclay opined that they viewed all the things while awarding hosting rights to Pakistan.

"We wouldn't have awarded the event if we didn't think Pakistan was capable of hosting it. We think it is an exciting opportunity for them to be able to host a world event for the first time in a long time. I'm sure, as with all countries, they will put together appropriate security plans to deliver the event. We're comfortable and confident it will go ahead," he added.

Meanwhile, Barclay admitted that the relations between India and Pakistan are not on good terms but he hoped that the game can help both countries together.

"I can't control geo-political forces. I just hope cricket can be a force to help improve relations between countries. One of the great things sports can do is to help bring nations together. If we can do something in a small way to contribute to that, that's fantastic," he maintained.

It must be noted that ICC announced hosts for its 2023-31 events cycle. USA and Namibia will host events for the first time while India will host three global events.