US, West Indies may be potential hosts for Champions Trophy 2025

Karachi: In a recent development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has engaged in discussions regarding possible alterations to the hosting arrangements for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Reports suggest that the original plans for these prestigious tournaments could undergo changes, with alternative hosts being considered.

According to reliable sources, one proposed switch involves West Indies and the United States hosting the Champions Trophy instead of the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Pakistan is speculated to receive monetary compensation in light of the change. However, it is important to note that these discussions are still in their preliminary stages and have been conducted verbally thus far.

The proposal has gained support from broadcasters associated with the upcoming ICC media rights, indicating a potential consensus on the matter. The primary motivation behind this suggested alteration is the scheduling constraints faced by the United Kingdom, which can only accommodate events during the May-June window. As a result, Ireland and Scotland are being considered as viable alternative hosts for the T20 World Cup, given that the original schedule aligns with this timeframe.

This potential change would provide an additional year for West Indies and the United States to develop the necessary infrastructure required for successfully hosting the prestigious Champions Trophy. Furthermore, due to the smaller number of matches in the tournament, the Champions Trophy is seen as a more logistically feasible option for these regions.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the current state of infrastructure in the United States. Hosting an event as significant as the T20 World Cup poses considerable challenges, particularly due to the lack of readily available venues. Additionally, broadcasters in the sub-continent, where returns are typically high, may face potential financial losses if the tournament is held in the far west.

It is worth noting that no official "hosting agreements" have been signed by the countries involved at this stage. The process for initiating these agreements is expected to commence during the ICC annual conference in Durban, scheduled for July. As part of the potential switch, the ICC may approach the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to seek their agreement and explore the possibility of providing financial compensation to accommodate the changes.

Cricket enthusiasts and stakeholders eagerly await further updates on the potential alterations to the hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy as discussions progress within the ICC.