With India stepping back from participation in the Champions Trophy, it looks like South Africa may enter the scene as a host if Pakistan fails to secure the hosting rights. According to a report by SportsTak, South Africa may host the Champions Trophy 2025 if the Pakistan Cricket Board stays rigid against ICC suggestions. 🚨 SOUTH AFRICA LIKELY TO HOST 2025 CHAMPIONS TROPHY IF PAKISTAN REFUSES FOR HYBRID MODEL...!!! 🚨 (Sports Tak). pic.twitter.com/g9xhXrN5LI — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 12, 2024 CT25 dilema recap If not the cricket, but the geopolitical issues have been a major cause for India backing out of the tournament, citing security concerns. Earlier, reports claimed that Pakistan may have agreed to the hybrid model like they did in the 2023 Asia Cup. This time PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi clearly stated that the tournament is going nowhere. Initially, a cold war between the two boards followed by an official mail from BCCI to ICC cleared the air that India is not travelling to Pakistan. Read: ICC Champions Trophy Uncertain as India Backs Out South Africa as the host No official statement has been issued declaring South Africa as the host, as Pakistan's stand is still unclear. Even with three months left, the schedule is not fixed. South Africa has prior experience of hosting this tournament, as it did in 2009. A country with top-tier venues like Newlands and the Wanderers, has hosted events like the 2003 World Cup too. Keeping in mind the political drawbacks India and Pakistan are having, South Africa looks like a better option. However, it won't be just about the infrastructure but the logistical challenges like player acclimatization, broadcasting adjustments, and scheduling matches considering the available windows in the country. Other than that, South Africa's diverse landscapes offer a fresh, visually appealing stage, and this shift could bring a new dimension to the event, reflecting cricket's resilience.