The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan, with matches scheduled for Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The tournament is expected to begin on February 19, 2025, culminating in the final on March 9.
India to not play Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan
However, a report in Telegraph UK is suggesting that India's Champions Trophy 2025 matches, including the final, might be moved out of Pakistan if they qualify for the tournament. This decision is likely influenced by the ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
Uncertainty surrounds Champions Trophy 2025 final's venue
The final of the Champions Trophy 2025 could be relocated from Lahore to Dubai, according to reports. With the final scheduled for March 9, a decision on the venue is expected to be made by March 6. The same uncertainty applies to the semi-finals, with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also being considered as potential locations. India has not toured Pakistan since July 2008 due to the strained political relationship between the two countries. This ongoing tension has raised questions about whether India will be able to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
PCB Chairman confident of Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
On the contrary, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, recently expressed optimism that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy would be held in Pakistan. He also stated that all teams, including India, would participate in the tournament.
“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
“The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament,” he added.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will mark the first major international cricket tournament to be held in Pakistan since 1996.
While India and Pakistan haven't faced each other in a bilateral series since 2012-13, they continue to compete against each other in international tournaments.
