Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that all of India’s qualifying round matches in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy be held in a single city in Pakistan.
This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus and will be the first major event hosted entirely in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. Pakistan was initially slated to host last year’s Asia Cup, but due to political tensions and security concerns, India declined to travel to Pakistan, resulting in the event being co-hosted with Sri Lanka.
The PCB has shortlisted Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore as potential host cities for the mega event next year, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium set to host the final match. During a recent visit to Lahore, ICC general manager Wasim Khan discussed the Champions Trophy arrangements with PCB officials, suggesting that the Indian team’s travel itinerary be minimized.
According to sources, India may play their initial qualifying matches in Karachi before moving on to the knockout venues. Reports from Cricbuzz and ESPNCricinfo indicate that India will be based in Lahore for the tournament, allowing for easier travel for Indian fans through the Wagah border and reducing travel complications.
The Indian cricket team has not played in Pakistan since 2008, with their cricket engagements in the country limited to ICC tournaments. Despite this, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has affirmed that all teams will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as scheduled. Stadium renovation work is expected to commence soon, with the tournament slated for February-March 2025.
Pakistan currently holds the title of leading champions of the Champions Trophy, having defeated India by 180 runs in the final of the 2017 edition at The Oval in London. This tournament, often referred to as the ‘mini World Cup,’ saw India emerge victorious in the previous edition, defeating England in the final match at Birmingham’s Edgbaston.
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