Feb 19 start proposed by PCB for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a February 19 start for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the tournament scheduled to take place across Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore from February 19 to March 9.

The PCB has received positive feedback from ICC officials who have visited Pakistan to inspect arrangements for the event.

The proposed schedule includes Karachi hosting three matches, including the opening match and a semi-final, while Lahore will host seven matches, including the final.

Rawalpindi will host five matches, including a semi-final. The PCB has also suggested that India be based in Lahore for the entire tournament to minimise logistical and security complications associated with their travel between cities.

This arrangement is expected to provide Indian fans with a more convenient option to attend matches, given Lahore's proximity to the Wagah border crossing. The main question surrounding the event remains India's participation.

The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008, and the decision to travel to Pakistan rests with the Indian government.

The PCB has maintained that it will not entertain a hybrid model for India's matches, unlike in the past when India's matches were relocated to Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup. Pakistan, the defending champions, will host an ODI tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand before the Champions Trophy.

The event will mark the first major international cricket tournament hosted solely by Pakistan since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan is currently third in Group A of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, with two points from three matches. They have a net run rate of +0.191 and are still in contention to qualify for the Super 8 stage.

They will need to win their remaining matches against Ireland and hope that the United States loses both their remaining matches to secure a spot in the next round.