The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will start on February 19 and will be held in Pakistan, refusing to entertain a hybrid model for India’s matches, as was the case during the Asia Cup 2023.
As per the PCB proposal, the ICC Champion’s Trophy 2025 will run from February 19 to March 9 2025 with all matches to take place across three major cities – Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore.
As per sources in the PCB, ICC officials who visited Pakistan to inspect the arrangements for the event have expressed satisfaction with the systems in place.
Not surprisingly, the PCB has insisted that all matches should be played in Pakistan.
It is expected of course that world cricket’s Big Daddy BCCI will demand that India’s matches be played at a neutral venue. And since it is the BCCI that “shows world cricket the money”, how the ICC “squares this circle” remains to be seen.
“We have not opted for the hybrid model. However, we have given this leverage that India’s matches can be played in Lahore only. This way, the team will not be required to move around cities within Pakistan and its security can be well maintained in Lahore,” IANS quotes a source in the PCB as having said.
“India can be based in Lahore for the entire tournament. This would minimise logistical and security complications associated with their travel between cities,” said source added.
The mentioned special arrangement for the Indian team may also provide an easier and more convenient option to attend matches, as they would be held in one city.
“The proximity of Lahore to Wagah Border crossing is also going to be more suitable for the Indian fans. However, the question remains, if India would accept and participate in the event,” the PCB source said.
As per the PCB’s proposed schedule for the Champions Trophy, at least three matches will be played in Karachi, which includes the opening match and a semifinal. Lahore will hold at least seven matches, including the final. Rawalpindi will host at least five matches, including a semifinal.
The BCCI is expected to fob this particular ball into the Indian government’s court, which has not allowed any Indian cricket team to travel across the border. That Indian teams representing others sports have been allowed to do so, the most recent case in point being the Indian Davis Cup clash against Pakistan in February in Islamabad, is another matter. The key difference being that cricket is the only major sport where India holds the purse strings, and therefore the power to take unilateral decisions.
Be that as it may, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be the first major international cricket tournament hosted solely by Pakistan. Pakistan has previously co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka and before that co-hosted the Reliance Cup with India in 1987.
