NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket board (PCB) presented a proposal regarding ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will start on February 19 and will be held entirely in Pakistan. The PCB firmly rejected the idea of a hybrid model for India’s matches, similar to the case of Asia Cup 2023.
As per the schedule proposed by PCB, ICC Champions Trophy The year 2025 will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, and all matches will be held in three major cities of Pakistan: Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore.
This was revealed by sources in the PCB International Cricket Council (ICC) who recently visited this place Pakistan to assess preparations for the tournament, expressed satisfaction with the existing arrangements.
Notably, the PCB has taken a robust stand against the idea of a hybrid model, especially for matches in India, insisting that all matches be played on Pakistani soil.
This stance is likely to trigger a robust response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which had earlier suggested a hybrid model in which India’s matches would be played at neutral venues outside Pakistan, similar to the arrangements made during the Asia Cup 2023 when India’s matches were shifted to Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, however, remains steadfast in its stance of wanting all matches, including those involving India, to be played on its soil.
“We have not decided on a hybrid model. However, we have given such an advantage that India’s matches can only be played in Lahore. This way, the team will not have to move across cities in Pakistan and its security in Lahore will be well maintained,” a PCB source said.
“India may be based in Lahore throughout the tournament. This would minimize the logistical and security complications of traveling between cities,” the source added.
For the Indian team, participating in matches could be more convenient and less demanding because a special arrangement would allow them to play in one city. This could potentially simplify their travel and logistics requirements throughout the tournament.
“Lahore’s proximity to Wagah border the transition will also be more suitable for Indian fans. However, the question remains whether India would accept the event and participate in it,” a PCB source said.
As per the PCB’s suggested Champions Trophy schedule, at least three matches, including the opening match and the semi-final, will be played in Karachi.
At least seven matches will be played in Lahore and the final will be one of them. As many as five matches will be played in Rawalpindi, including the semi-final.
Notably, the Indian cricket team has not appeared in Pakistan since participating in the 2008 Asia Cup. The decision on India traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be taken by the Indian government, which has opposed the cricket team crossing the border due to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in supporting terrorism within India’s borders.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be the first time Pakistan will be the exclusive host of a major international cricket event. Pakistan has previously shared hosting duties with India and Sri Lanka in the 1996 Cricket World Cup and previously co-hosted the 1987 Reliance Cup with India.
(With IANS inputs)
As per the schedule proposed by PCB, ICC Champions Trophy The year 2025 will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, and all matches will be held in three major cities of Pakistan: Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore.
This was revealed by sources in the PCB International Cricket Council (ICC) who recently visited this place Pakistan to assess preparations for the tournament, expressed satisfaction with the existing arrangements.
Notably, the PCB has taken a robust stand against the idea of a hybrid model, especially for matches in India, insisting that all matches be played on Pakistani soil.
This stance is likely to trigger a robust response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which had earlier suggested a hybrid model in which India’s matches would be played at neutral venues outside Pakistan, similar to the arrangements made during the Asia Cup 2023 when India’s matches were shifted to Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, however, remains steadfast in its stance of wanting all matches, including those involving India, to be played on its soil.
“We have not decided on a hybrid model. However, we have given such an advantage that India’s matches can only be played in Lahore. This way, the team will not have to move across cities in Pakistan and its security in Lahore will be well maintained,” a PCB source said.
“India may be based in Lahore throughout the tournament. This would minimize the logistical and security complications of traveling between cities,” the source added.
For the Indian team, participating in matches could be more convenient and less demanding because a special arrangement would allow them to play in one city. This could potentially simplify their travel and logistics requirements throughout the tournament.
“Lahore’s proximity to Wagah border the transition will also be more suitable for Indian fans. However, the question remains whether India would accept the event and participate in it,” a PCB source said.
As per the PCB’s suggested Champions Trophy schedule, at least three matches, including the opening match and the semi-final, will be played in Karachi.
At least seven matches will be played in Lahore and the final will be one of them. As many as five matches will be played in Rawalpindi, including the semi-final.
Notably, the Indian cricket team has not appeared in Pakistan since participating in the 2008 Asia Cup. The decision on India traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be taken by the Indian government, which has opposed the cricket team crossing the border due to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in supporting terrorism within India’s borders.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be the first time Pakistan will be the exclusive host of a major international cricket event. Pakistan has previously shared hosting duties with India and Sri Lanka in the 1996 Cricket World Cup and previously co-hosted the 1987 Reliance Cup with India.
(With IANS inputs)
