Sri Lanka could Play in 2025 Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested that the ICC obtain a written statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), confirming that they cannot participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, along with an explanation for this decision.

Last Friday, the ICC informed the PCB that India’s government had not granted approval for the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is set to take place across three venues in Pakistan starting February 9 next year. However, the PCB is asking for an official written confirmation from the BCCI to clarify their inability to participate and the reasons behind it.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Pakistan has rejected the proposed "hybrid model," which would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue.

If the ICC decides to proceed with Pakistan as the host and India chooses not to participate, Sri Lanka could step in to replace India. Such a move would elevate Sri Lanka’s profile on the global cricket stage, offering its players a chance to compete in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. This opportunity could strengthen Sri Lanka’s exposure to high-level competition, which we didn’t had in recent past in ODI cricket providing a platform to showcase its cricketing talent against other top teams.

Alternatively, a hybrid hosting model is under consideration, where matches involving India could be played in a neutral country, allowing both India and Pakistan to participate without direct travel. Sri Lanka is a prime candidate for such a role alongside the UAE, given its proximity to both countries, robust cricketing infrastructure, and recent success hosting international matches. Serving as a neutral venue for India’s matches could not only bring cricketing prestige to Sri Lanka but also energize local support for the sport, as fans would have the opportunity to see international teams play on home soil.

In a more extensive shift, if the ICC decides to move the tournament entirely from Pakistan due to unresolved concerns, Sri Lanka could also be considered a strong alternative host. This would allow the country to handle the tournament in full, similar to its role in the recent Asia Cup. While hosting the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka would automatically get a spot in the tournament instead of Pakistan if Pakistan decided not to participate. There is a huge possibility for Sri Lanka to secure a spot in such a scenario. 

With these possible scenarios, Sri Lanka could gain either as a substitute team or a neutral venue, depending on the ICC’s final decision. The outcome remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Sri Lanka stands as a valuable candidate to benefit from any changes, either through competition or co-hosting, in the 2025 Champions Trophy.