ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already sent the draft of schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC). They have set the date for the high-voltage India versus Pakistan clash on March 1, 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, the biggest question still remains whether India will tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 considering the political tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
The issue will be addressed in the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the ongoing month. In 2023, PCB had to adopt a hybrid model and hosted just a few games in Pakistan whereas the rest took place in Sri Lanka.
“We haven’t discussed anything about Champions Trophy but I think it’s unlikely that will travel to Pakistan a final call will be taken by the government on travel to Pakistan,” the source told Sports Tak.
When asked about the chances of playing the ICC Champions Trophy at a neutral venue, the source added, “We haven’t discussed about it. The government will decide and will follow. It is an ICC event we can’t decide about the tournament. The next ICC meeting may throw some light in regards to the Champions Trophy.”
What Jay Shah said about Champions Trophy?
Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is yet to make a statement on India’s participation in Champions Trophy. But after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, he confirmed that the next goal is to win Champions Trophy along with the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. In addition, he confirmed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in the Champions Trophy.
"The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there," Shah said.
India vs Pakistan last Champions Trophy clash
India have a score to settle with defending champions Pakistan. India lost to Pakistan in the final of Champions Trophy 2017 by 180 runs.
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