Srinagar: A major report in National media has said that ICC is contemplating on moving ICC Champions Trophy 2025 out of Pakistan and host it in USA-West Indies.
A report in News18 has said that a major change is on cards in the International major events calender. ICC 2024 T20 World Cup may be moved out of USA-West Indies and Champions Trophy 2025 out of Pakistan.
“The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan could turn out to be the event that goes to the West Indies and the United States as compensation for letting go of the 2024 T20 World Cup and in return, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may get compensated monetarily for the loss,” News 18 report said.
It is understood that right now this is merely a subject of verbal discussion between the respective cricket boards, the ICC and other stakeholders. It is also learnt that the broadcasters for the next ICC media rights cycle are in agreement with the proposed idea, report said.
News18 report has also said that England, the original hosts of the 2030 T20 World Cup along with Scotland and Ireland has emerged as favourites to host the 2024 T20 World Cup – if shifted out of the West Indies & USA and allotted to them.
“Further now, the global cricketing body is also exploring an arrangement where West Indies & USA could host the 2025 Champions Trophy – proposed to be moved out of Pakistan – which is a smaller event, puts the broadcaster at lesser financial risk and will require lesser infrastructure to get going,” report said.
“The current infrastructure situation in the USA is not very encouraging. Even if they successfully host the upcoming Major League Cricket, hosting an event like the T20 World Cup is a different ball game altogether. Where will you host the matches when the venues aren’t ready? Also, a long tournament in the far west could be a loss-making proposition for the broadcasters in the sub-continent, where the returns are highest,” report quoted a source tracking developments from close quarters.
Asking the West Indies and USA to host the 2025 Champions Trophy will give the US an additional year to put the necessary infrastructure in place. Further, having fewer matches – as compared to a T20 World Cup – will make the tournament logistically a more viable option too.
A case in point here is the 2017 Champions Trophy in England which was played only between three venues – Birmingham, The Oval and Cardiff.