New Delhi: India are yet to confirm travelling to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy but the crunch clash between the two teams has been scheduled for March 1 in Lahore.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has drawn up a match schedule for the tournament even though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to get approval from the Indian government for the trip to the neighbouring country.
India haven’t toured Pakistan since 2006 citing security reasons amidst a detoriating political relationship between the two countries with the BCCI repeatedly saying they would need approval from its government for any trip.
Pakistan remain keen to host India in the Champions Trophy that will be staged from February 19 to March 9.
New PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has submitted a 15-match fixtures list on the sidelines of an invitation to watch the T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Keepong in mind security issues and logistical concerns, all of India’s matches has been schedued to be held in Lahore.
“The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi,” an ICC Board member told PTI.
“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.”
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand have been drawn in Group A with Australia, South Africa, England and Afghanistan making up Group B.
India had earlier refused to go to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup despite assurances of “full-proof” security, forcing the tournament to be played in a ‘hybrid model’, with all of their matches being held in Sri Lanka.
A security inspection has already been conduted by tThe International Cricket Council at match venues.
“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 ICC Board membed said to PTI.
India haven’t toured Pakistan since 2006 citing security reasons amidst a detoriating political relationship between the two countries with the BCCI repeatedly saying they would need approval from its government for any trip. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
