According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put forth a proposal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025. The PCB, slated to host the prestigious tournament, has suggested that India’s qualifying round matches be scheduled in a single city to minimize the team’s travel within Pakistan.
The Proposed Venue Trio: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore
The PCB has selected three cities – Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore – as the prospective venues for the Champions Trophy 2025. While Karachi and Rawalpindi are set to host the group stage matches, the grand finale is scheduled to take place in Lahore.
A PCB Source’s Revelation on
Shedding light on the proposal, a PCB source revealed:
“The ICC general manager Wasim Khan also recently visited Lahore where he discussed the CT arrangements with the PCB top brass, and it was suggested that the Indian team’s travel itinerary be kept to a minimum.”
The source further elaborated that the PCB has proposed to have India play its initial qualifying round games in Karachi before proceeding to the venues for the knockout stages.
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India’s Last Pakistan Tour: A Decade Ago
The proposal comes in the backdrop of India’s strained cricketing ties with Pakistan. The Indian cricket team has not toured Pakistan since 2008, with their engagements restricted solely to ICC tournaments.
India’s Absence from the 2023 Asia Cup
Last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refrained from sending the national team to the Asia Cup, which was eventually held in a hybrid model across Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
PCB Chairman’s Assurance: All Teams to Play in Pakistan
Amidst the speculations, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has maintained that all participating teams, including India, will play their scheduled matches in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy. Naqvi further informed that preparations for the Champions Trophy are underway, with stadium renovation work set to commence soon. The tournament is expected to be held in February-March 2025.
