As the countdown begins for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, let's take a look at Pakistan's preparation for the tournament. The defending champions have a challenging schedule ahead with tours to Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa as well as a triangular series at home against New Zealand and South Africa. With only 11 or 12 ODIs to prepare, Pakistan will have to make the most of their limited opportunities to retain their title.
Amidst reports claiming that India will not be participating in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has denied any official information regarding the matter. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup and political tensions between the two nations remain a major hurdle. If India does withdraw, Sri Lanka will take their place in the tournament.
According to sources, the Indian Cricket team will not travel to Pakistan in 2025 for the ICC Champions Trophy. Instead, they will ask the ICC to hold the matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka. The last time India played in Pakistan was in 2012-2013, and since then, they have only faced each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. The decision comes amidst tensions between the two nations, and the BCCI Vice-President has stated they will follow the instructions of the Government of India.
The Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, and instead the Indian cricket board (BCCI) will ask the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka. Since 2008, India has not played any cricket tournaments in Pakistan due to tense relationships between the two nations. The BCCI source also mentioned that India will not participate in the upcoming event, and will request for matches to be held in countries outside of Pakistan. This decision comes after similar situations during the Asia Cup last year, which saw India's matches against Pakistan take place in Sri Lanka.
The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy entirely in Pakistan, with a potential India-Pakistan match in Lahore on 1 March. The BCCI's approval remains a major hurdle, but there is hope that the Men in Blue will finally cross the border for the event. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is optimistic about the participation of all eight teams, and has made plans to facilitate Indian fans' entry on tourist visas.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially announced the tentative dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan. This will be the first ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. The tournament will feature eight teams, including India, and is set to begin on February 19 with the final scheduled for March 9. The matches will be divided between three venues - Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with the opening game taking place in Karachi. India's games, including a potential semi-final, are all scheduled in Lahore.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has submitted a draft for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Pakistan set to host India's men's cricket team in Lahore on March 1st. While the PCB has received support from other participating countries, the BCCI is yet to decide on sending their team to Pakistan. This would mark India's first visit to Pakistan in over ten years, with their last match in Pakistan being in the Asia Cup 2023 held in Sri Lanka. The final decision on India's participation will be dependent on the Indian government's approval.
In a bid to ease logistical and security challenges, the Pakistan Cricket Board has suggested Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as the only venue for all of India's matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This move, if approved, would mark the first time Pakistan has hosted the tournament. However, India's participation is subject to clearance from the Indian government, making for an interesting decision.