PCB draft for 2025 Champions Trophy sets March 1 as date for India vs Pakistan clash in Lahore; BCCI yet to respond: Reports
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is said to have submitted its draft for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Per the draft, the marquee India vs Pakistan clash will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 1. It is, however, still not confirmed whether India will travel to Pakistan for the ICC event.
The two neighboring countries have not faced each other in a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to strained relations. They have only competed in ICC events. India and Pakistan recently met in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, with the Men in Blue registering a six-run win in a thrilling clash.
Media reports quoted news agency PTI as saying that the PCB has furnished its 2025 ICC Champions Trophy draft. Regarding the uncertainty over India's participation, PTI quoted an ICC member as saying:
"All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries (minus BCCI) have assured him of their complete support but BCCI will consult its government and update the ICC."
"The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi," the source added.
As per the draft for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the opening match will be played in Karachi, with the two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi respectively, while the final will be held in Lahore. As for India's matches, all (including the semifinal, if they qualify) would be held in Lahore.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, with March 10 being set as the reserve day for the final. The report went on to add that, India have been placed in Group A with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan are in Group B.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was invited to watch the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados, had submitted a 15-match schedule. All of India's matches have been scheduled in Lahore for security and logistical reasons, as per the PTI report.
India refused to play in the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan
It may be recalled that India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup as well. The tournament was subsequently played in a hybrid model, with the Men in Blue playing all their matches in Sri Lanka.
Back in April, IANS had quoted BCCI sources as saying that India may not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, adding that a hybrid model could be used for that tournament as well.