Can the India-Pakistan standoff over Champions Trophy 2025 be ended?

A new proposal is emerging to resolve the impasse over the Indian team’s refusal to play in Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, with discussions underway on a potential "give and take" solution.

Sources close to the matter suggest that both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may have to show flexibility in their positions to salvage the tournament.

Under this proposal, India would agree to play one of its three Champions Trophy group-stage matches in Pakistan, at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. Following the match, the Indian team would return either to India or the UAE, depending on their qualification status.

In the event India progresses to the semi-finals, they would play their matches in the UAE, but should they reach the final, the Indian team would be required to play in Lahore.

In exchange for allowing India’s matches to be hosted in the UAE, Pakistan would seek an increased share of the revenue from the tournament, compensating for the financial losses caused by India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan. The formula, while complicated, could offer a compromise that satisfies both cricket boards and secures the viability of the Champions Trophy.

The BCCI, which initially rejected the hybrid model, may need to make significant concessions and agree to the terms laid out by the PCB. This would mark a significant shift in India’s stance, as the board has consistently maintained its refusal to play in Pakistan. For the PCB, the agreement could be a step towards asserting its influence in the region and ensuring the Champions Trophy goes ahead as planned.

Meanwhile, broadcasters have been growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of clarity over the venue for India’s matches. With the Champions Trophy set to begin soon, they are ramping up pressure on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize the schedule. If a solution is not reached in the next few days, broadcasters are reportedly considering legal action.

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan will be placed in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The BCCI is awaiting consultations with the Indian government before confirming participation in matches hosted in Pakistan.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches, including the final. Karachi’s National Stadium will stage the opening match and one semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the other semi-final. The semi-finals are set for March 5 and 6, with the final taking place in Lahore on March 9.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 proposed schedule:

• February 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan - Karachi
• February 20: Bangladesh vs India - Lahore
• February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa - Karachi
• February 22: Australia vs England - Lahore
• February 23: New Zealand vs India - Lahore
• February 24: Pakistan vs Bangladesh - Rawalpindi
• February 25: Afghanistan vs England - Lahore
• February 26: Australia vs South Africa - Rawalpindi
• February 27: Bangladesh vs New Zealand - Lahore
• February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia - Rawalpindi
• March 1: Pakistan vs India - Lahore
• March 2: South Africa vs England - Rawalpindi
• March 5 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC - Karachi
• March 6 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC - Rawalpindi
• March 9 Final: TBC vs TBC - Lahore