Pakistan-India Champions Trophy clash on March 1 in Lahore

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dispatched the final schedule of the next year’s Champions Trophy 2025 to the International Cricket Council and other participating countries boards with hosts Pakistan facing archrivals India on March 1 in Lahore.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025 (with March 10 as a reserve day). However, a key aspect of the tournament remains uncertain – the marquee clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

The PCB has submitted a 15-match draft schedule to the ICC, with all of India’s matches proposed to be held in Lahore. This decision by the PCB is reportedly motivated by security and logistical considerations. The proposed schedule features seven matches in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi. The opening match and a semi-final are slated for Karachi’s National Stadium, while Rawalpindi will host the other semi-final alongside five additional matches.

While all other participating nations have reportedly expressed their support for the PCB’s proposed schedule, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has yet to give its consent. The BCCI says it will need to consult with the Indian government before making a final decision regarding their participation in matches held in Lahore.

In the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan, India played their matches in Sri Lanka due to government restrictions on travel across the border. The ICC itself cannot compel any member nation to participate against their government’s directives.