New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed the reports of the Champions Trophy 2025 final being shifted from Lahore to Dubai if India qualify for the summit clash. As per reports, the Champions Trophy is likely to be played in a hybrid model with India playing their matches in the UAE amid BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan.
Pakistan are the official host of the multi-nation tournament and BCCI is yet to clarify its stance on India’s travel plans. India last visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008 and the two countries have not played a bilateral series against each other since 2013 due to political tensions between the two countries.
BCCI has maintained a strict stance on the matter and is unlikely to send the Indian team to Pakistan citing security reasons. Pakistan were the hosts of the Asia Cup last year but the tournament was played in a hybrid model after India refused to travel across the border. India played all their matches, including the final of the tournament in Sri Lanka.
PCB denies reports of Champions Trophy in UAE
After reports of UAE potentially being roped in as a second venue for the Champions Trophy 2025 went viral, a PCB spokesperson refuted the claims. The PCB spokesperson said preparations are in full swing in Pakistan for the tournament which is scheduled to be played in February next year and that it won’t be moved out of the country.
“There is absolutely no truth to the reports suggesting that the Champions Trophy final could be moved outside Pakistan. We are working diligently to ensure that all preparations for the tournament are on track, and we are confident that Pakistan will be able to host a memorable event,” said the PCB spokesperson, as per Pakistani media.
Recently, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi expressed optimism about the Indian team travelling to Pakistan and said there is nothing that suggests the Men in Blue won’t come for the tournament. However, there has been no official confirmation from BCCI which continues to remain a concern for the PCB.
As per the tentative schedule submitted to the ICC, Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be hosted in Pakistan from February 19 to March 09. Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are the three venues which will host the matches. Lahore is set to host the final on March 09. Karachi and Rawalpindi have been selected to host the two semi-finals.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded after reports claimed that the Champions Trophy 2025 final can be shifted from Lahore to Dubai if India make it to the summit clash. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
