‘Determination to make sure…,’ ECB backs PCB to host Champions Trophy 2025 amid doubts over India’s travel

England Cricket Board (ECB) CEO Richard Gould has backed Pakistan to host the Champions Trophy 2025 amid reports of uncertainty over India’s travel.

The comments were made during the BBC Test Match special on day 1 tea break of the ongoing third Test between England and West Indies.

“There’s a great deal of determination to make sure it [Champions Trophy] is [hosted in Pakistan next year],” Gould said. “Particularly from the PCB and the ECB.”

There have been growing clouds of doubt whether India will travel to Pakistan for the tournament or not. The International Cricket Council (ICC), meanwhile, has put aside some complementary funds in the budget approved in case India play their matches outside host country.

The development was reported by the news agency PTI after the conclusion of ICC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, Sri Lanka from July 19-22.

“The ICC has kept supplementary expenses in its tournament budget to meet any situation where the Indian team has to play its matches outside Pakistan,” reported PTI.

The news agency also reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has left the responsibility to convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to travel for the tournament up to the ICC. 

“It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” the source added. 

Last year, India decided not to travel to Pakistan for the regional Asia Cup. The tournament was eventually played in a hybrid model with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, however, traveled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 which was played right after the Asia Cup. 

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