'No Plan B': PCB doubles down on hosting Champions Trophy despite Indian reservations

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly reiterated its stance on hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy entirely within Pakistan, dismissing the notion of a neutral venue or a hybrid model.

According to media reports, senior PCB officials have accused Indian media of spreading propaganda regarding the tournament's location. The officials emphasised that the event will not be shifted to a neutral venue or conducted under "a Plan B hybrid model"; instead, the entire tournament will be held in Pakistan.

Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the tournament two years ago.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is scheduled to hold its annual meeting in Colombo from July 19 to 22. The PCB delegation plans to attend the meeting with a solid stance on retaining the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Apart from India, all other participating teams in the 2025 Champions Trophy have previously toured Pakistan for matches. Therefore, the PCB asserts that India has no valid reason to refuse to play in Pakistan.

Earlier, rumours surfaced that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, prompting ICC officials to consider a Plan B.

However, the PCB remains adamant about hosting the event on home soil.

For the 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan has designated three venues: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The PCB has already sent the proposed schedule to the ICC and the other participating teams.