Game Changer: Iceland Throws Hat into the Ring for Champions Trophy 2025 Hosting

In a surprising move, Iceland has submitted a bid to host the 2025 Champions Trophy, originally scheduled for Pakistan. The Icelandic Cricket Association, in a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), expressed eagerness to step in amid concerns about political and safety risks.

Rumours are doing round that Pakistan may lose the opportunity of hosting the prestigious tournament as India will not be willing to send the team to the neighbouring country citing political and security reasons. Another news is doing round that the tournament could be played in hybrid model, just like recently concluded Asia Cup or it may be shifted to UAE.

The Icelandic Cricket Association acknowledged the less-than-ideal weather conditions in Iceland during February and March but emphasized their abundant electricity supply and electric panel heaters to keep players warm. They highlighted their volcanic ash soils with excellent drainage capabilities, countering concerns about poor weather.

Despite criticism of “crappy windswept public parks,” the association drew parallels with the ICC’s acceptance of the United States’ bid for the T20 World Cup in 2024, emphasizing their global fanbase of around 125,000 followers.

The Icelandic Cricket Association invited detailed discussions and even offered to develop a 3D virtual reality model of their proposed cricket grounds. Sharing the bid on social media, they expressed eagerness for a response from the ICC.

Reactions on social media varied, with some suggesting geopolitical considerations as the reason for the bid and others applauding Iceland’s enthusiasm. The letter has sparked a meme fest online.

As of November 28, there’s no official response from the ICC, but the Icelandic Cricket Association remains hopeful, interpreting the lack of response as a potential discussion of their proposal’s merits in a Board meeting.

We are not people who hold back. We have today issued our bid to host the Champions Trophy of 2025, and we look forward to hearing what Greg Barclay of @ICC has to say about it. pic.twitter.com/EsRzsikCqF

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) November 27, 2023