Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan and India cricket officials meet in US

PCB official expresses optimism event will be fully hosted in Pakistan

NEWYORK:

Cricket officials from Pakistan and India discussed matters related to the Champions Trophy 2025 during a meeting in the USA, where the T20 World Cup is being played.

As usual, the BCCI deferred the decision to their government, while the PCB remains determined to host the Indian team in Pakistan.

Pakistan is set to host an ICC event, the Champions Trophy, for the first time since 1996. However, India has maintained a policy of not sending its team across the border. This policy forced the PCB to adopt a hybrid model for the Asia Cup last year, where the Indian team played its matches in Sri Lanka.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, and implementing a hybrid model seems unlikely. The PCB is also not willing to move the event to the UAE or any other country. Officials are hopeful that the Indian team will come to Lahore for the tournament.

Sources revealed that senior officials from the Pakistan and Indian cricket boards discussed the Champions Trophy during their recent meeting in New York. However, India reiterated that the final decision would be made by their government.

A PCB official confirmed the meeting and expressed optimism that the event will be fully hosted in Pakistan. Significant funds are being spent on upgrading the stadiums, he added.

Notably, he said that construction work is rapidly progressing at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and renovations are also planned for stadiums in Karachi and Rawalpindi, with a deadline set for the end of December. These three venues will host the mega event.

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The 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.

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.