India may play CT matches in Lahore, Pindi

They were initially scheduled to play all of their games of ICC event in Lahore

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy next year, and according to Indian media, there is a proposal to hold India's three pool matches at two different venues.

Indian media reported that ICC broadcasters, who are also the broadcasters for the Indian board, suggest that having matches at two venues will enhance broadcast quality and the event's value. Holding India's matches at a single venue would not leave a good impression.

The reports state that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has no objections to hosting matches at two venues, and they have proposed Rawalpindi as one of the locations based on this suggestion.

Foreign media has indicated that the PCB had initially proposed Lahore as a venue for India, but the broadcaster suggested including another venue to minimize travel for the Indian team.

According to Indian media, the proposed schedule includes three matches for India in Lahore, with a match against Bangladesh on February 20 and another against New Zealand on February 23.

Additionally, a high-voltage clash between Pakistan and India is proposed for March 1, with Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh suggested to be in Group A.

Financial risks

The Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Richard Thompson, and CEO Richard Gould, have emphasized the significant role the Indian cricket team will play in the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in Pakistan in February-March.

Speaking to British journalists, Thompson expressed concerns about the financial implications of India's potential absence from the tournament, stating, "Cricket cannot afford to lose its broadcasting rights, and the Champions Trophy without India would not be in the best interest of the sport."

India's participation in the tournament, led by Rohit Sharma, is uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that the decision to send India's team will rest with the Indian government.

"No decision has been taken (yet). But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek the permission of the government. It's up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country," BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla said while talking to an Indian news channel.

The ECB also revealed that hybrid venue models, which could allow India's matches to be played outside of Pakistan, are under consideration by the International Cricket Council (ICC) if India refuses to travel to Pakistan. However, Thompson pointed out that the final decision will heavily depend on Jay Shah, the soon-to-be ICC Chair, who is also the current BCCI Secretary.

CEO Richard Gould echoed Thompson's concerns, noting that discussions regarding hybrid models are expected to be held soon by the ICC.

"Whenever Pakistan and India play, security concerns in the region escalate, but the financial stakes for broadcasting rights are significant," said Gould.

He added that the final decisions regarding the Champions Trophy will be made closer to the event as the situation continues to evolve.

India have not toured Pakistan since 2008, and both countries have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to political tensions. Despite this, Pakistan has successfully hosted international teams, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains hopeful that India will participate.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, including India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, based on their performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Matches will be held across three venues in Pakistan - Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.