ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Promo Released; Pakistan Not Mentioned as Hosts

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is already generating buzz, but not just for cricket. A recently released promo by Star Sports, the tournament's official broadcaster in India, has sparked controversy by omitting any mention of Pakistan as the host nation.

This development adds to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tournament, scheduled for February 2025. The 20-second promo features star players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and others from participating nations, confirming that India will compete.

However, the video notably avoids referencing Pakistan as the host, despite the ICC officially awarding hosting rights to Pakistan in 2021. The caption for the video shared on social media simply states, "Gear up for heart-pounding cricket action as the ICC Champions Trophy returns in 2025! #ChampionsTrophyOnStar."

The omission coincides with unresolved tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). India has refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns, insisting on a hybrid model where matches involving the Indian team are held at neutral venues like the UAE.

While the PCB initially rejected this proposal, recent reports suggest the board has reluctantly agreed to the hybrid format under pressure from the ICC. Adding to the intrigue, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured full support to the PCB on hosting the event, emphasizing that the country's "self-respect" must be upheld.

Sharif's remarks reflect the heightened emotions surrounding the tournament, which marks Pakistan's first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup. The PCB has also invested heavily in upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi for the event.

The delay in releasing the official schedule, which should have been finalized months ago, has left fans and broadcasters in limbo. Star Sports' promotional video hints at similar uncertainty, describing the tournament as "coming soon."

While the Champions Trophy promises thrilling cricket action, the unresolved disputes over hosting rights and India's participation cast a shadow over the tournament. With the ICC yet to comment on the developments, all eyes are on whether Pakistan's status as the host will be officially acknowledged or quietly sidelined.