In recent updates related to the Champions Trophy 2025, Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the event, has released a promotional video. While the video is making rounds around the internet for the amazing display of passion and enthusiasm from top-players of participating teams.
Speculations suggest it has missed including the name of the hosting country. In addition to that, there seems to be hardly any moment from the previous season where Pakistan won the title.
Although ICC has not shared any official schedule of the tournament, the promotional video showcases top cricketers from around the globe including Pat Cummins, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Mitchell Star, etc.
The promo meant to fuel the excitement among fans fails to showcase the hosting nation. Therefore, giving rise to the discussions around hybrid models and the fate of Champions Trophy 2025.
While some find this coincidental, many claim this is a deliberate effort by India to let the world know that they’re 100% participating in the tournament but the position of Pakistan is under doubts.
The promo has certainly given spark to the speculations once again, with the issue of where the tournament will be hosted still remaining unresolved.
The issue initially came up with ICC rejecting from travelling to Pakistan for the tournament. They mentioned security issues as a concern and said that they won’t be risking their team.
To get things resolved, ICC suggested a hybrid model where matches involving India would be played at a neutral location. PCB was not ok with the idea in the beginning but they somehow agreed later but with certain conditions.
Now PCB demands that a hybrid model shall be implemented until 2031 for all the tournaments to be hosted by either of the countries.
Though the demand of PCB seems just perfect given the situation, BCCI still seem reluctant to accept. However, ICC has put the due pressure and both the boards are finally coming to a mutual point.
But we cannot still say anything for no official statements has been made by the ICC regarding this issue. Also, the promo released by Star Sports has put the tournament into another phase of speculation.
We can only hope that the matters resolve and we get to see our favourite players hit the pitches for the most prestigious cricketing tournament soon.