'Yes or No', PCB asks BCCI

A clear message has been conveyed to India regarding their participation in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, demanding a "yes or no" written response. PCB's COO, Salman Naseer, has been in ongoing discussions with ICC officials in Dubai over the past several days.

In a joint effort, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi previously participated in the discussions, which are crucial for finalizing the schedule of the event. Typically, ICC releases the schedule for major tournaments three months in advance, and it is expected that the Champions Trophy schedule will be unveiled at an event between November 10 and 12 in Pakistan, with India's matches planned for Lahore.

After a prolonged hiatus, Pakistan is set to host an ICC event in February and March 2025. However, India's participation has been complicated by its government's approval process. Historically, the Indian government has never provided a formal written statement on touring Pakistan, and sources suggest that it remains unlikely they will do so this time.

Despite this, PCB has pressed the BCCI to obtain a clear written response from their government regarding the tour. In the absence of such confirmation, the ICC will proceed with releasing the schedule, with India's matches still slated for Lahore. Should India refuse to participate, the ICC is prepared with a backup plan, which includes a revised budget, though details of this are not being made public at this time.

The PCB's proposed schedule for the Champions Trophy, which may undergo slight adjustments, is set to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. India will take on Bangladesh in Lahore the following day, while Afghanistan will play South Africa in Karachi on February 21.

The event will culminate with the final on March 9, 2025, at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, following a series of group-stage matches and semi-finals. One of the most highly anticipated clashes will be between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, scheduled for March 1, 2025, in Lahore.

The PCB is optimistic about India's participation, with the anticipation that their team will travel for the event. However, construction work on the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi is progressing rapidly, with all venues expected to be ready by the December 30 deadline. The PCB has allocated approximately 13 billion rupees for these developments, and an ICC delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon for a final review before the event.

Champions Trophy schedule

The schedule of the highly-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, to be hosted by Pakistan, is likely to be announced next week, sources claimed.

According to the details, an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit Lahore from November 10 to 12 to inspect the arrangements and preparations for the eight-team tournament.

During the visit, the schedule of the tournament, alongside other major details, is likely to be unveiled.

Sources further revealed that the schedule has already been shared with the teams participating in the tournament, scheduled to take place in the February-March window.

As per the proposed schedule, hosts Pakistan are placed in Group A, alongside arch-rivals India, Bangladesh and New Zealand, while Group B is comprised of England, South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan.

Remember, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to confirm India's participation in the Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy as the body still awaits the government's approval. The Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to run from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10.