No change in CT final venue: PCB

India haven't confirmed their participation in the ICC Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly denied reports from Telegraph suggesting that the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy could be moved away from Pakistan if India qualifies.

Reiterating its commitment, the PCB confirmed that all tournament matches, including the final, will be hosted within Pakistan. Despite the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the PCB is determined to ensure a successful and uninterrupted tournament.

"There is absolutely no truth to the reports suggesting that the Champions Trophy final could be moved outside Pakistan," said a PCB spokesperson.

"We are working diligently to ensure that all preparations for the tournament are on track, and we are confident that Pakistan will be able to host a memorable event."

To enhance the cricketing experience, the PCB has begun upgrading stadiums across Pakistan to accommodate the anticipated influx of fans and international cricketers. These renovations are part of a broader effort to promote Pakistan as a top cricketing destination.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10.

Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside cricketing giants India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently awaiting government consultations before confirming participation in matches hosted in Pakistan.

Matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will host seven matches, including the grand final, while Karachi's National Stadium will stage the opening match and one semi-final. Rawalpindi is set to host five matches, including the other semi-final, with both semi-finals scheduled for March 5 and 6, leading up to the final in Lahore on March 9.

Morgan backs Stokes, Root

Former England captain Eoin Morgan has called for the return of Joe Root and Ben Stokes to England's white-ball squad ahead of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.

Both players last featured in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where England's title defense ended with an early group-stage exit. Though they are missing from the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, Morgan believes they remain crucial for future success.

Stokes missed England's recent 3-2 ODI series loss to Australia due to injury, while Root was rested between Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Additionally, England had to do without key players like Mark Wood and Jos Buttler, with Harry Brook stepping in as captain for Buttler.

"At the moment, I'm happy to back the younger players. In the recent series against Australia, they found a template. Australia, you have to commend how good they are at the moment in all formats of the game. But when you put them up against a side that, at stages, didn't have [Jofra] Archer, no Wood, Stokes and Root as well, no Buttler, that's half your England team.

"The run chase at Durham, when Harry Brook scored that magnificent hundred and then just went on to find his feet as captain… the template that they found in that game, I thought, is one that really suits the players that they've selected. I would encourage them to continue with that template and look ahead to the Champions Trophy," Morgan said.

"Ben Stokes has already said that he hasn't had the call yet from Baz as to whether he will play or not. If that call comes, obviously he would love to play. In my eyes, they've got to come into a major world tournament and look to win it, and that means trying to find the best team - and for me, Stokes and Root are in that best team," Morgan said.

Morgan added that the West Indies and India series present a valuable opportunity for younger players to stake their claim but warned that their chances could be short-lived if the senior stars return.

"The younger players playing in the upcoming series against the West Indies, and then coming here [India] in February, the opportunity is there in front of your face. And that opportunity can be quickly taken away when those big names come back," he concluded.