The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a strong stand against India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan, and has requested a clear “yes or no” answer from the BCCI.
Along with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Salman Naseer, the PCB’s chief operating officer, has been in Dubai for extensive talks with ICC officials to finalize the tournament’s itinerary.
Tournament dates are usually announced three months in advance by the ICC, and the Champions Trophy is anticipated to be unveiled in Pakistan between November 10 and 12.
If India participates, Lahore will host their matches; however, the BCCI has yet to provide the PCB with a suitable response.
The Indian government, which has a history of not providing written permissions for travel to Pakistan, has yet to approve India’s involvement.
In spite of the enduring uncertainty, the PCB has pushed the BCCI to obtain official government sanction.
The ICC intends to announce the schedule as planned, with India’s matches scheduled for Lahore, barring any official confirmation.
A contingency plan, including budgetary modifications, is in place in case India eventually declines, though specifics are kept under wraps.
On February 19, 2025, Pakistan will play New Zealand in Karachi to begin the planned Champions Trophy.
The tournament’s final will take place in Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 9, 2025.
