As per the reports, the Champions Trophy, returning to international cricket in 2025 with 8 top teams, faces a venue shift from Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions with India.
Originally set to host the tournament, Pakistan's hosting is uncertain as India remains unwilling to travel amid strained relations. Likely alternatives include Dubai or a hybrid model, similar to the recent Asia Cup.
Concerns arose when the BCCI rejected the possibility of the Indian team playing in Pakistan during the Asia Cup, prompting doubts about the Champions Trophy. While the Asia Cup found a resolution with an ACC-approved hybrid model, replicating this for the ICC event with 8 world-class teams remains uncertain.
With the potential move, the U.A.E emerges as a practical alternative, having been used previously when Pakistan faced hosting challenges. If finalised, this shift could mark the U.A.E's inaugural hosting of the Champions Trophy.