The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted the draft schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC), proposing all matches, including those involving India, be held in Pakistan.
The ninth edition of the cricket tournament is set to take place in February and March 2025.
“We want the complete Champions Trophy in Pakistan. We have already submitted the schedule to the ICC. The ICC security team came to Pakistan and they were very happy with the arrangements,” Naqvi said.
According to the proposed schedule, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi are the three venues earmarked by the PCB for hosting the two-week event.
The draft schedule indicates that India would play all their matches in Lahore, where the final is also planned to take place. This decision to base India in one city is seen as a strategic move to minimize logistical and security challenges, with Lahore’s proximity to the Wagah border potentially facilitating easier travel for Indian fans.
However, uncertainties loom over the participation of the Indian cricket team due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan. Approval from the Indian government, facilitated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), would be necessary for the team to travel to Pakistan.
Last year, during Pakistan’s hosting of the Asia Cup, a hybrid model was adopted wherein India played all their matches – including those against Pakistan – in Sri Lanka.
