In a significant announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has scheduled the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan for March 1, 2025, in Lahore. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to approve the tentative schedule, according to a senior ICC Board member who spoke to PTI on Wednesday.
The tournament is set to run from February 19 to March 9, with a Reserve Day on March 10. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who attended the T20 World Cup final in Barbados, presented a 15-match schedule, placing all of India’s games in Lahore for security and logistical reasons.
“The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi,” an ICC Board member revealed. “The opening match will be held in Karachi, with the semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, and the final in Lahore. All India matches, including the semifinal if the team qualifies, will be in Lahore,” the source added.
Team India in Group A
In the tournament draw, India has been grouped with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in Group A, while Group B includes Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.
Recently, ICC head of events Chris Tetley met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad following the inspection of venues and arrangements by the world body’s security team. This follows Pakistan’s hosting of the Asia Cup in 2023, which was conducted using a ‘Hybrid Model,’ with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka due to the Indian government’s travel restrictions.
“All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries (minus BCCI) have assured their complete support to Naqvi, but BCCI will consult its government and update the ICC,” the source added.
The ICC maintains that it cannot compel any cricket board to contravene its government’s policies. The cricketing world now eagerly awaits the BCCI’s decision on whether it will agree to the proposed schedule and venue for the high-stakes encounter.
The outcome of this decision will not only impact the logistics of the Champions Trophy but also the diplomatic relations and cricketing ties between the two neighboring countries.