The Champions Trophy holds a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshi cricket fans, as it’s the only ICC tournament where Bangladesh reached the semifinals. After an eight-year break, the Champions Trophy is set to make a comeback in 2025, and ahead of the tournament, the iconic trophy will embark on an international tour, scheduled to visit Bangladesh in December.

The hosting rights for the Champions Trophy currently belong to Pakistan, who are also the defending champions, having defeated India in the 2017 final. However, recent reports from Indian media suggest Pakistan may be at risk of losing hosting privileges. Whether or not these speculations are accurate, the Champions Trophy Tour will start in Pakistan, where the trophy arrived on November 16. Over the next week, it will journey through various scenic locations in Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad, Hunza, Murree, and Skardu, before departing for the next destination on November 24.

For Bangladeshi fans, the trophy will be on display for three days, from December 11 to December 13, giving them a chance to celebrate this prestigious event and create lasting memories.

Pakistan’s role as the host is now mired in uncertainty. Since 2008, India has not toured Pakistan, and concerns about security and logistics have fueled India’s reluctance to travel there for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan, however, is opposed to any alternative neutral venue. This standoff could mean that if India’s objections aren’t resolved, the tournament might be relocated, as suggested by some Indian media sources.

According to the initial tournament draft, Group A comprises India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. For Bangladesh, qualifying past the group stage will be no easy task given the strong lineup, and they will likely enter the tournament as underdogs. Still, recent successes in Pakistan have bolstered the confidence of the Bangladeshi team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Following the Champions Trophy's absence from the ICC calendar, the event's return reflects strong fan demand. ICC’s focus on frequent ODI and T20 World Cups and the World Test Championship had initially sidelined the Champions Trophy. But persistent calls from fans for this high-stakes, condensed format pushed ICC to revive the tournament.

With Pakistan both hosting and defending the title, the Champions Trophy promises to be a thrilling event, packed with classic cricket rivalries, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the location. As the Champions Trophy Trophy Tour kicks off, cricket enthusiasts in Bangladesh and beyond are gearing up for an exciting build-up to the tournament in 2025.