The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted the draft schedule for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and as per that schedule, India has been placed in the same group with their arch-rivals Pakistan and their clash is currently set to be hosted in Lahore, on March 1 next year. However, BCCI has not given its consent to the tentative schedule. The tournament will be held from February 19 to March 9 with March 10 being the Reserve Day for the Final.
Lahore to host all of India's matches
As per the report from PTI, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has submitted a 15-match schedule and has appointed Lahore as the official venue for all of India's games for security and logistical reasons. India is in Group A along with Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. On the other hand, Group B consists of Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.
"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, final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinal, if the team qualifies) in Lahore," an ICC Board member told PTI.
BCCI yet to give approval
As per the source, all cricketing boards of the participating team have assured and given their support to Pakistan hosting this mega tournament except for the Indian cricket board. BCCI will be consulting the Indian government and follow whatever decision they come up with. Recently, ICC head of events Chris Tetley and their security team inspected the venues and other arrangements of ICC. Tetley later also met PCB chief Moshin Naqvi.
"All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries (minus BCCI) have assured him of their complete support but BCCI will consult its government and update the ICC," the source added.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Virat Kohli better all-rounder than Ravindra Jadeja; ICC's latest T20I rankings will make your jaw drop
'Even Nepal will not pick Babar Azam in their team...': Pak legend slams Pakistan skipper for poor show in T20 World Cup 2024 | WATCH
