Wasim Akram Opens Up About Uncertainty Surrounding ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Delhi: The status of the Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced that the Indian Cricket Team will not be participating in the tournament scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. The decision was communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by the BCCI.

The Pakistan Cricket Board put together an initial lineup, with the Champions Trophy all set to get underway on February 19. But, with India unexpectedly pulling out, the full scheduling announcement has been thrown into disarray. Really, it’s anyone’s guess how it’s all going to unfold over the coming weeks.

The PCB and BCCI have green-lighted a forward-thinking hybrid model. They’ve made the call that every tournament taking place in India until the year 2027 will leverage this cutting-edge hybrid scheme.

Wasim Akram, the former Pakistani speedster, surprisingly popped up at a recent Coke Studio event in Dubai. Even though there’s no official word from the ICC yet, he shared his hopeful thoughts about Pakistan being the sole host of the upcoming tournament next year.

As quoted by he said, “I would like to thank everyone. Your passion is typical Pakistani passion. This is the Champions Trophy which is happening in Pakistan. Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy”.

The recent promotional video released by the official broadcaster subtly hints that Pakistan is gearing up to host the Champions Trophy.

A person in the know from ICC shared tidbits with PTI about the 2025 Champions Trophy. “It’s been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders,” the source stated.

If the International Cricket Council makes it official that the Champions Trophy will embrace a hybrid format, it’s likely that India’s games will be staged in Dubai in the coming year.