The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is adamant about hosting all matches of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, dismissing rumors of a neutral venue or alternative plan, as reported by a local news channel.
Recently, there have been reports suggesting a “plan B” where the Indian cricket team would play their matches at a neutral venue instead of traveling to Pakistan. However, the PCB insists that since Pakistan is the official host, the entire event should be held within the country.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will hold its annual meeting in Colombo from July 19 to 22, where the PCB delegation will present their strong stance on hosting all matches in Pakistan.
The PCB has proposed three venues for the tournament: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. According to the PCB’s schedule submitted to the ICC, all of India’s matches are planned to take place in Lahore. To prepare for the event, the PCB has allocated Rs12.80 billion for upgrading these stadiums: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium.
The PCB points out that except for India, all other participating teams have previously played in Pakistan and argues that India does not have a valid reason to avoid playing there.
If India decides not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the PCB has indicated that Pakistan will reciprocate by not participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India is set to co-host with Sri Lanka.
The proposed dates for the Champions Trophy are from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This tournament will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with the last event held in 2017, where Pakistan won by defeating India in the final.
Harbhajan concerned about Indians’ safety
Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has voiced concerns about India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, citing safety issues.
In a video posted on the social media platform ‘X’, Singh questioned whether India would send their players if the safety situation does not improve.
Despite the uncertainty, Singh challenged Pakistan to proceed with the multi-nation event even if India opts out.
“If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we won’t send the team. If you want to play, play; if not, don’t. Indian cricket can still survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, then do it,” Harbhajan said in a video on ‘X.’
Last year, Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, visited India for the ODI World Cup after a seven-year hiatus. However, India’s appearance in next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan is still under a cloud.
India has expressed reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the event. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not made any direct statements, they have communicated their concerns through media outlets multiple times.
Sources indicate that India’s hesitation has caused concern for the ICC, prompting them to consider alternative plans. This issue will be a significant topic at the ICC’s annual conference in Colombo from July 19 to 22, where they will discuss the possibility of hosting the tournament in another country alongside Pakistan.
During the conference, India will be asked to confirm their participation in Pakistan. The BCCI is expected to mention the need for government approval, which could lead to discussions about a hybrid model involving the UAE as a co-host.
The Indian government typically does not provide written refusals or explanations for their decisions, raising concerns that a last-minute withdrawal by India could jeopardise the event.
Consequently, the ICC is making contingency plans. The budget for hosting the tournament in another country, along with Pakistan, is on the agenda of the ICC meeting.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stands firm on hosting all Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the country despite rumours of a neutral venue or plan B.
The PCB remains committed to showcasing Pakistan as a safe and capable host for international cricket events.
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