Afghanistan Cricket Board Assures Participation in Champions Trophy 2025 Despite Earlier Reports

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd July 2024

Recent reports suggesting that Afghanistan might join India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in skipping the Champions Trophy 2025 have been dispelled. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed its intention to participate in the tournament scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025. This clarification came after a significant meeting between ACB officials and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Moshin Naqvi at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Initially, there were concerns that Afghanistan, along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, might opt out of the Champions Trophy, following India’s lead. This speculation was fueled by the tournament’s scheduling and logistical challenges. However, ACB officials have reassured Pakistan that their team will indeed be part of the competition, dismissing earlier rumors of withdrawal.

The ACB’s assurance is a boost for Pakistan, which is keen on hosting the entire tournament within its borders. Pakistan’s preference is for a standalone hosting arrangement rather than the hybrid model, which involves sharing hosting responsibilities with other countries. This stance reflects Pakistan’s commitment to showcasing its capabilities as a host nation and ensuring a successful tournament.

In addition to discussing their participation in the Champions Trophy, ACB officials also engaged in talks about other cricketing events. One of the topics was a potential tri-series involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This proposed series would provide valuable match practice and foster competitive cricket among these nations. Furthermore, discussions also touched upon arranging A-team tours to Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, as well as a youth tri-series involving Pakistan and the UAE. The specifics of these events, including dates and venues, are yet to be finalized.

Amidst these developments, the BCCI has confirmed that there were no direct discussions about the Champions Trophy 2025 between the BCCI and PCB during the ICC annual meeting. An official from the BCCI, who was present throughout the meeting, clarified that the Champions Trophy was not on the official agenda. Consequently, no formal discussions took place regarding the tournament’s arrangements or any potential issues.

The BCCI official emphasized that the Champions Trophy is still some time away, and the ICC will manage all logistical and organizational aspects. “It isn’t a bilateral issue where two boards would need to negotiate. The Champions Trophy wasn’t discussed in the Annual General Meeting as it was not on the agenda. The ICC will handle the tournament’s details in due course,” the official stated.

With Afghanistan’s participation confirmed, the anticipation for the Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to rise. The inclusion of Afghanistan alongside traditional powerhouses like India and Pakistan adds excitement and competitiveness to the tournament. As the event approaches, further details and updates about participating teams and schedules will continue to emerge, shaping the tournament into a highly anticipated cricketing spectacle.