The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan, with matches held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The tournament is set to begin on February 19, with the final scheduled for March 9.
A report by The Telegraph UK directs that India’s matches in the Champions Trophy, including the final if they qualify, are likely to be moved out of Pakistan.
The report mentions that the final of the Champions Trophy may be shifted from Lahore to Dubai, with the venue expected to be confirmed by March 6 ahead of the final on March 9. The same could happen with the semi-finals, with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah being considered as alternative locations. India hasn’t sent its team to Pakistan since July 2008 due to strained political relations.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence on Monday that the ICC Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan, and all teams, including India, will participate in the tournament.
“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
He also said that Pakistan was prepared to host all the teams including India and preparations were on schedule.
“The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work will be completed after the tournament,” he added.
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla had earlier stated that the final call about India playing cricket in Pakistan, b it for the Champions Trophy, will be taken by the Indian government.
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla previously said that the final decision on whether India will play cricket in Pakistan, including for the Champions Trophy, will be made by the Indian government.
Last year, the BCCI stated that it did not get approval from the Indian government to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. After considerable discussions, the tournament was held in partnership between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
