The tournament is slated to commence on February 19 and conclude on March 9, with a Reserve Day scheduled for March 10.
In a momentous announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on March 1, 2025, in Lahore. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet given their approval to the proposed schedule, as reported by a senior ICC Board member in an interview with PTI on Wednesday.
The tournament is slated to commence on February 19 and conclude on March 9, with a Reserve Day scheduled for March 10. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who recently attended the T20 World Cup final in Barbados, presented a comprehensive 15-match schedule, with all of India's matches set to be held in Lahore for security and logistical considerations.
“The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi,” an ICC Board member revealed.
“The opening match will be held in Karachi, with the semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, and the final in Lahore. All India matches, including the semifinal if the team qualifies, will be in Lahore,” the source added.
During the tournament draw, India was placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.
Most recently, Chris Tetley, the head of events at the ICC, held a meeting with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad. This meeting took place after the world body's security team inspected venues and arrangements for the upcoming tournament. It is worth noting that Pakistan successfully hosted the Asia Cup in 2023, utilizing a 'Hybrid Model' due to travel restrictions imposed by the Indian government. As a result, India played their matches in Sri Lanka during the tournament.
“All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries (minus BCCI) have assured their complete support to Naqvi, but BCCI will consult its government and update the ICC,” the source added.
The ICC asserts that it is unable to force any cricket board to go against its government's policies. The cricketing community is now anxiously anticipating the BCCI's verdict on whether it will accept the suggested schedule and location for the high-stakes match.
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 "PCB submits Champions Trophy 2025 draft, India vs Pakistan clash on this date")
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