The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is facing uncertainty due to the BCCI's refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan. With less than 100 days remaining for the tournament, the schedule is yet to be announced. The delay is attributed to the ongoing dispute between the two cricket boards, PCB and BCCI, who are unable to find a common ground.
The BCCI remains steadfast in its decision, leveraging its influential position to assert that it cannot be compelled to send Team India to Pakistan. Conversely, the PCB, in consultation with the Pakistani government, is determined to host the Champions Trophy on home soil. Lately, PCB received a letter from ICC which stated Indian government's stance on Team India's travel to Pakistan amidst the hullabaloo around Champions Trophy 2025.
The PCB has even resorted to threats, vowing to withdraw from the tournament and boycott future India matches in ICC events if the BCCI persists with its stance. However, the PCB is cognizant of the significant financial repercussions of such a decision and may be compelled to reconsider its position.
PCB to bear massive loss if Champions Trophy 2025 will be staged outside Pakistan
The PCB faces significant consequences if the Champions Trophy is rescheduled or relocated. Should Pakistan withdraw from the tournament, they risk incurring ICC sanctions, which could potentially lead to substantial cuts in their funding.
Furthermore, if the tournament is shifted away from Pakistan, the PCB could suffer a massive financial loss of approximately USD 65 million in hosting fees. This would be a severe setback for the PCB, considering their significant investments in upgrading cricket stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The PCB has formally requested the ICC to clarify the reasons behind India's refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. According to Pakistani media reports, the PCB is unwilling to accept security concerns as a valid justification, citing the recent successful tours of Pakistan by teams like New Zealand, Australia, and England.
As per the proposed schedule, Champions Trophy 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9. This tournament will feature eight teams Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa, divided into two groups of four. The top teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, ultimately leading to a final showdown.
Here's how the proposed Champions Trophy 2025 looks like:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 19 | New Zealand vs Pakistan | Karachi |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | Lahore |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore |
| February 23 | New Zealand vs India | Lahore |
| February 24 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| February 25 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore |
| February 26 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| February 27 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Lahore |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Rawalpindi |
| March 1 | Pakistan vs India | Lahore |
| March 2 | South Africa vs England | Rawalpindi |
| March 5 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Karachi |
| March 6 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi |
| March 9 | Final: TBC vs TBC | Lahore |
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