With the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year, there are still doubts overcasting the tournament regarding India’s participation.
Pakistan are set to host the Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 to March 9 next year and the board has already submitted an official draft of the tournament schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The much-anticipated match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for March 1 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
However, according to a report by Sports Tak on July 6, the Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for this eight-team ICC event. The decision regarding India's participation hinges on the Indian government's approval.
“While the details of the tournament have not yet been discussed, it is highly unlikely that the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Indian government. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to raise this issue at the upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka this month,” a source was quoted as saying.
When asked about the possibility of adopting a hybrid model, a BCCI source stated that no decision has been made yet.
"We haven't discussed about it. The government’s decision on this matter will be final, as we have not yet confirmed it internally. Since this is an ICC event, we do not have the authority to make any unilateral decisions. However, more details may emerge during the next ICC meeting,” he added.
The strained political relations between India and Pakistan have significantly affected their cricketing engagements. The last bilateral series between the two nations occurred in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for a series of ODIs and T20Is.
Rohit to lead India in Champions Trophy
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will continue as the captain for both ODI and Test formats.
Shah expressed confidence in Sharma's leadership, stating, "I am confident that under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, we will win the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy." This statement was made in a video shared by the BCCI.
Under Rohit's leadership, India recently ended an 11-year ICC title drought by defeating South Africa by seven runs in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados.
"This was our third final within a year. Last year on June 11, we lost the WTC final. On November 19, after winning 10 matches, we won hearts but not the ODI World Cup. However, as I had said earlier this year in Rajkot, India went on to win hearts and the World Cup under Rohit’s leadership," Shah added.
Shah also praised the contributions of Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya for their performances in the final five overs of the T20 World Cup final, which were crucial for India's victory.
PCB allocates upgradation budget for stadiums
The Board of Governors (BoG) of the PCB approved Rs12,800 million for upgradation of the cricket stadiums in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, to be held in Pakistan.
The BoG took important decisions for development of domestic and women cricket in the country during its 72nd meeting at the Board Room of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi.
The board also approved enhancing the annual budget for women cricket from Rs70 million to Rs240 million, besides raising the central contracts of the women cricketers.
The meeting also set aside Rs450 million for the promotion of domestic cricket in the country. It was also decided that the PCB will look after 12 cricket grounds across the country besides providing funds for the upkeep and salaries of staff of 100 cricket grounds in Pakistan.
The meeting was briefed on the preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan next year. The Chairman PCB emphasized the need of completing the upgradation work on the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, National Bank Cricket Stadium Karachi and Pindi Stadium Rawalpindi ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, adding that the international standards will be met in the upgradation.
Mohsin Naqvi said that the upgradation of the stadia will ensure better facilities for the cricket fans. He directed to work on new venues for the domestic tournaments.
The Chairman apprised the BoG of various initiatives to strengthen domestic and women cricket. Various proposals were reviewed for the betterment of domestic cricket in the country.
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