Pakistan is expected to host ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February, but recent violent protests in Islamabad cast doubt on the country’s readiness. Violent protests on Tuesday halted cricket events already underway, which Sri Lanka A the team will leave Pakistan in the middle of their tour. As a result, Sri Lanka A will not play the last two 50-over matches Pakistan Falcons.
BTSO’s security stance has been strengthened
Protests in Islamabad have intensified Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) security concerns. BCCI informed BCC about this earlier Team India He will not visit Pakistan and advocated that their matches be held in a neutral venue. These recent developments add weight to India’s position and pose significant challenges for it Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The ICC will convene a meeting for a final decision
Further, media reports also claimed that the ICC has scheduled a virtual panel meeting on Friday, November 29 to resolve the situation and take a final decision. While the PCB has opposed the idea of a hybrid model, reports suggest that the ICC may consider holding five matches in another country, including the 10, semi-finals and final in Pakistan. This decision will likely be binding on all member boards.
Also WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav clarifies India’s stance on Pakistan tour amid Champions Trophy 2025 concerns
Netizens are asking the ICC to move the Champions Trophy
Meanwhile, the political turmoil in Pakistan has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many fans urging the ICC to move the Champions Trophy to a safer venue. Netizens on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) expressed their concerns and called for drastic measures to ensure the safety of players and staff participating in the tournament.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Going by the visuals of the (civil) protests from Pakistan and considering that it could have been more violent, the PCB will now have nothing on the ICC table on November 29. Leave India, can’t there be others to worry about the riots there?
The Hybrid Champions Cup is now their…— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 26, 2024
Latest news: 🚨
Sri Lanka has canceled its tour of Pakistan due to a civil war-like situation in Pakistan’s Islamabad.hey @icc plz organize Champions Trophy in UAE or Sri Lanka.#championtrophy #CT25#PTIProtestIslamabad pic.twitter.com/j7FMECHHNw
— Chandan Kumar (@Chandasoni22) November 26, 2024
SRI LANKA AROUND PAKISTAN TOUR
The Sri Lanka A vs Pakistan A match originally scheduled in Rawalpindi was shifted to Islamabad and has now been called off completely due to security reasons.
ICC should be aware and move entire Champions Trophy from Pakistan for everyone’s safety. pic.twitter.com/uAdrQuirJE
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) November 26, 2024
hey @ICC look at the pictures. .
Pakistan is not safe for ICC Champions Trophy.
Please arrange #championcup2025 Outside of Pakistan.Pakistan is suffering from civil war. #CT25 pic.twitter.com/Uf0MJghXKk
— Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08) November 26, 2024
“Shoot when you see” orders 😯
What is happening in Pakistan 🇵🇰 ??👉🏻 If the situation in Pakistan gets out of control, Champions Trophy 2025 will be moved from Pakistan, let’s see 🧐pic.twitter.com/v4FNUlkfCH
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) November 26, 2024
There have been major riots in the Pakistani city of Islamabad…
Two matches with Sri Lanka A have been postponed…
The complete Champions Trophy will be transferred to me elsewhere..pic.twitter.com/YE7JWhyMqG— CoverDriveKing (@funnycric) November 27, 2024
This is Pakistan where the ICC is all set to host the Champions Trophy.
This is the same Pakistani army that is responsible for the security of cricketers.#ChampionsTrophy2025pic.twitter.com/v4BBgbghTB
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) November 27, 2024
Terrible scenes in Pakistan!!
Are they still considered eligible to host the Champions Cup?— Himanshu Singh (@himanshuusingh_) November 26, 2024
hello @ICC Kindly accept that the Champions Trophy should not be held under a hybrid model considering the current situation in Pakistan and the PCB chairman’s statement regarding player safety. It is not safe for Indian players or players of other teams… pic.twitter.com/JYqLqXhQWA
— Statpadder (@The_statpadder) November 26, 2024
Looking at the law and order situation in Pakistan, the best is taking the ICC Champions Trophy out of Pakistan altogether. The security of all participating states must be the first priority for the ICC.
— Stanley (@stanip7) November 27, 2024
Islamabad is on fire!!
BCC should take strict measures regarding security in Pakistan. The Champions Trophy in Pakistan will not be considered safe for all teams, so it should be held in a safe place outside Pakistan.
pic.twitter.com/pnEEEXbRXi— Mufa Kohli (@MufaKohli) November 27, 2024
Sri Lanka A 🇱🇰 will not play the last two ODIs against Pakistan A 🇵🇰 due to political activity in Islamabad.
How can Pakistan expect to host a major event like the Champions Trophy if the ‘A’ team’s tour suffers such interruptions? 🏆 #CT25 pic.twitter.com/3IxUh6iPuf
— Rashmi Sawarn (@27rashmisawarn) November 27, 2024
And the PCB wanted the Indian cricket team to visit to play the champions trophy when their nation’s capital looked like a war zone? Is this the level of security mentioned by PCB chief to ICC & BCCI? https://t.co/FskozsMQzZ
– Sougat Chakraborty (@sougat18) November 27, 2024
