ICC stakeholders mull Champions Trophy format for future editions

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Pakistan will host the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy, marking the tournament's return after an eight-year hiatus. This decision comes as the ICC acknowledges the shifting landscape of international cricket, with the T20 World Cup gaining prominence and the Future Tours Programme losing importance.

During a meeting held at the ICC's Dubai headquarters in April, stakeholders and partner broadcasters deliberated on the future of the Champions Trophy. Despite some advocating for the continuation of ODIs, concerns were raised about declining audience engagement and overall interest in the format since the 2019 World Cup. Broadcasters, who play a pivotal role in international cricket, expressed preference for the monetization opportunities presented by 50-over matches compared to T20 games.

Arguments were presented both for and against the one-day format, with proponents highlighting the success of the previous year's World Cup in India. However, concerns were also raised about the logistical challenges of hosting the tournament, particularly given the political tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined to travel to Pakistan, prompting the ICC to consider a hybrid model for the 2025 edition, with the UAE emerging as a potential co-host.

In such a scenario, teams other than India may be required to travel between Pakistan and the UAE, potentially playing matches in both countries within a short timeframe. This logistical challenge raises questions about the feasibility of the 50-over format for the tournament.

The ICC is now faced with the task of convincing the BCCI to reconsider its stance on playing in Pakistan or finding an alternative solution to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament.