The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to begin on February 19 and go until March 9 in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested starting the tournament from February 19.
ICC representatives who visited Pakistan to review the event preparations have given the PCB positive feedback.
The planned schedule calls for Lahore to host seven matches, including the final match, and Karachi to host three, including the first game and a semi-final.
Five matches, including the semifinal, will take place in Rawalpindi. Additionally, the PCB has recommended that India to play in Lahore for the duration of the competition in order to minimize the logistical and security issues that come with their transit between cities.
With Lahore’s close proximity to the Wagah border crossing, it is anticipated that this arrangement would provide Indian supporters a more convenient choice to attend matches. India’s involvement in the event continues to be the primary mystery.
The Indian government controls the decision to send a team to Pakistan, and they haven’t played there since the Asia Cup in 2008.
The PCB has insisted that, in contrast to previous years when India’s matches were moved to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup, it will not consider a hybrid format for the country’s matches. Prior to the Champions Trophy, Pakistan, the reigning champions, will host a tri-series of ODIs against South Africa and New Zealand.
Since the Cricket World Cup in 1996, this will be Pakistan’s first major international cricket tournament held entirely.
