Champions Trophy semi-final and final to be moved to UAE following India's decision not to travel to Pakistan: Report

The upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025 is encountering a major hurdle as sources suggest that the Indian team is hesitant to travel to the neighboring nation for the prestigious tournament. Recently, during a virtual meeting, the ICC put forward a proposal to the Pakistan Cricket Board for a hybrid model for the event. This model entails India playing their three group matches, a semifinal, and potentially the final in a neutral venue instead of Pakistan. The situation is still unfolding as talks continue to find a resolution.

The BCCI have reportedly been denied permission by the Indian government from sending the Indian team to Pakistan due to diplomatic relations between both countries. The PCB used a hybrid model for the Asia Cup last year, but have been rock-solid in their stance that they want the entire Champions Trophy to be played at Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.

Also, Sri Lanka Cricket Board cancelling their A team's tour of Pakistan hasn't helped PCB's cause. Also, former Pakistan captain and former Prime Minister Imran Khan is currently in jail, and authorities also arrested nearly 1,000 of his supporters recently. His supporters reportedly stormed the capital this week demanding his release.

In the meeting, the ICC decided on two plans. One plan is that out of the 15 matches, three of India's group matches, including against Pakistan, one semi-final and the final will be played in a neutral venue. Meanwhile, according to the second plan, if India doesn't qualify from the group stage, both the semi-final and final will take place in Pakistan.

According to the report, a vote will also be called and if the hybrid model gets majority backing, then it will be upto PCB to accept it or not. The ICC is also expected to finalise UAE as a venue as it will decrease the travel time for teams to travel between matches from Pakistan. Also, even if the hybrid model is voted for, the ICC will give time to PCB to get clearance from the Pakistan government.