The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has preemptively acted by putting forward some approximate dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to the International Cricket Council (ICC). But there remain question marks to ascertain whether the Indian cricket team can participate in the tournament beginning February 19 and ending March 9 next year.
This uncertainty can be attributed to reports that were cited by The News Indian sports website, which raised questions about their participation in this event.
Thus, while the specifics of the event are yet to be determined, the question in the matter lies solely with the Indian government. The PCB, aware of the fact that India’s possible involvement assumes great importance, plans to discuss this issue in an upcoming ICC meeting to be held in Sri Lanka this month.
The decision in this matter lies in the hands of Indian authorities, and until they come to any conclusion, the scenario is unpredictable. Some of the issues for further discussion at the ICC meeting regarding the subject include the feasibility and implications of Team India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.
India Refused to Play in Pakistan
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A news article published in Sports Tak on Saturday shocked everyone by stating that they will not be playing the very important mega ICC event in Pakistan. However, the final call lies with the Indian government. Still, PCB is said to be planning to raise this issue with the ICC in its next meeting scheduled for this month in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, if everything goes well then India will play all of its matches in Lahore and if they qualify for the final, it will be played in the same stadium as well.
A source quoted in Sports Tak said:
To date, no specifics of the tournament have been discussed, but it is almost impossible that the Indian team will be going to Pakistan.
The source pointed out that the government has a final say on this particular issue.
They remain indecisive, though they have not yet reached a consensus at the ministry level since this is an ICC affair, and we cannot make decisions on our own. The next developments might be revealed in the next ICC session.
Historical Context and Draft Plans
Since 2008, India has not traveled to Pakistan and has only met for a bilateral series once in 2012–13. Though They were supposed to travel to Pakistan in 2023 for the Asia Cup, the tournament took place in a hybrid mode, with India’s matches, including the final, played in Sri Lanka.
The PCB has furnished its draft for the Champions Trophy 2025, assigning seven matches to Lahore, five to Rawalpindi, and three to Karachi. According to the draft, the India and Pakistan match will take place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 1.
Tournament Structure
The ICC source provided details on the tournament structure.
The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi. The opening match will be held in Karachi, with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi and the final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinals if the team qualifies) will be played in Lahore.
The upcoming ICC meeting will likely provide more clarity on their participation and the final structure of the tournament.
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