The Champions Trophy 2025 has come under scrutiny yet again even though it is far away from now. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that a few cricket boards have expressed their concerns over the schedule of the tournament as it will impact their T20 leagues.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is slated to begin in the first week of February, a time when leagues around the world are played. SA20, ILT20, Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and even Pakistan Super League (PSL) usually take place in the window of February and March.
This year, the ILT20 kick-started on January 19 and will conclude on February 17. SA20 2024 started on January 10 and will conclude on 10th February. The Bangladesh Premier League is underway as well with the final on March 1. PSL 2024 will kick off on 17th February whereas the final will be played on 18th March.
All the leagues are slated to be affected by the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule. The tournament usually takes 20 days to complete. For instance, if the tournament takes up the entire month of February then it will be difficult for other leagues to host the tournament in March, considering the separate window for the Indian Premier League.
As per the reports in Cricbuzz, SA20, and PSL haven’t commented on the issue so far. However, ILT20 admitted that they will be facing issues and they need to work on a limited window during the year 2025. The League official stated, “We will have to work on a limited window.”
The officials of the league although haven’t considered dates for the next season. But they might consider finishing the league in the month of January itself. It won’t be a surprise if other leagues around the world also see a limited window to complete the edition.
There is also a lot of speculation if the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan or not, especially after the refusal of permission by the Indian government for the Indian team. But the reports claimed that officials didn’t comment on that. It won’t be a surprise if the event gets staged in Pakistan as PCB recently signed a host nation agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Champions Trophy 2025 could be played in UAE – Reports
The venue for the Champions Trophy 2025 no doubt create a controversy because of the political tensions between India and Pakistan. A few weeks back reports emerged in the media that suggested that the tournament might be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Pakistan being the host.
It was learned that a hybrid model might also be in the plans. All the games will be played in Pakistan except for India, who will play their matches in UAE. The same model took place during the Asia Cup 2023 and it won’t be a surprise if something similar happens in the Champions Trophy 2025.
It will be be 9th edition of the tournament after being discontinued in 2017. The event will be event will be played for the first time in 8 long years. Eight teams will take part in the tournament in India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, England and Bangladesh.
