Fact check: Has ICC moved Champions Trophy 2029 & Cricket World Cup 2031 out of India due to security issues?
As per the ICC’s FTP India will be hosting the Champions Trophy 2029 and the Cricket World Cup 2031.
The political tensions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are at an all-time high. The Indian cricket team refused to travel to Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and the ICC adopted a hybrid model, which meant the Indian team played all their matches in Dubai and eventually won the tournament.
A few months later, tensions between the two nations escalated further due to the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. This also affected cricketing relations, as India refused to shake hands with Pakistani players during Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan then refused to travel to India for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, and all their matches were shifted to Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Bangladesh also refused to travel to India amid diplomatic tensions with India and the BCCI, which arose after the IPL council advised Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.
The ICC did not entertain the request made by the BCB, which resulted in Bangladesh pulling out of the tournament, and Scotland replacing them.
Has ICC moved Champions Trophy 2029 & Cricket World Cup 2031 out of India due to security issues?
Amid all these tensions, many rumours are being spread, mainly by Pakistani social media handles. According to them, the ICC is considering shifting the Champions Trophy 2029 and the ODI Cricket World Cup 2031 to Australia, citing security reasons. If these tournaments do take place in India, there are high chances that Pakistan and Bangladesh may boycott them again.
The India vs Pakistan clash generates a lot of revenue for the ICC, and if Pakistan refuse to play against India, it might result in a financial loss for the organisation. The report suggests that top officials in the cricketing world are discussing backup venues in case a similar situation emerges in future tournaments scheduled to take place in India.
India are set to host the 2029 Champions Trophy, while the 2031 Cricket World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Bangladesh. If the ICC changes its plans, Australia is emerging as a backup option to host both tournaments.
No official confirmation on ICC moving Champions Trophy 2029 & Cricket World Cup 2031 out of India
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not issued any official statement on this topic, and most of the news circulating around it is false, mainly created to gain attention amid the situation. The BCCI is the largest cricket body associated with the ICC and generates the highest amount of revenue, and India is home to millions of passionate cricket fans.
The ICC would think carefully before making any decision regarding this matter. Many journalists have already confirmed that the news being circulated is false, and the ICC is not considering moving the venues of the scheduled tournaments as of now.
Where are the Champions Trophy 2029 and ODI World Cup 2031 scheduled to take place?
India is set to host the 2029 Champions Trophy, while the 2031 Cricket World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Bangladesh.
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