Team India likely to play their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in UAE; PCB agrees to hybrid model: Report
The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly agreed to make adjustments in the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, adopting a hybrid model for Team India. Media reports have claimed that the Men in Blue will play their matches in the United Arab Emirates.
Despite PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressing optimism about India visiting Pakistan, a hybrid model was always likely to be on the cards. The Indian team hasn't visited the neighbouring country since 2008 and didn't play their Asia Cup 2023 matches last year in Pakistan either.
A PCB source, as quoted by PTI, claimed (via Outlook):
"The PCB has discussed with the ICC the tentative schedule which it sent some months back, and wants the same schedule announced on 11 November. It has told the ICC that since a back-up plan is already in place with a revised budget, there is no sense in delaying releasing a tentative schedule of matches."
The PCB has also reportedly demanded the ICC to push BCCI for confirmation if India will be allowed to play in Pakistan.
"The PCB wants the BCCI to give in writing whether they get permission from their government or not to send their team to Pakistan."
According to the tentative schedule, all of India's matches have been kept in Lahore due to logistcal and security reasons. The board has reportedly spent millions to refurbish the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi to hold the tournament smoothly.
Pakistan had defeated Team India to win the 2017 Champions Trophy final:
Meanwhile, the co-hosts will start as the defending champions, having beaten Virat Kohli and Co. by 180 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval in London. With Fakhar Zaman scoring a hundred, Pakistan amassed 338 in their 50 overs.
In response, Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan skittled the Men in Blue's in-form top-order. Hardik Pandya's explosive 76 kept their side in the game for a bit, but the Men in Green were too strong and eventually won by 180 runs.