The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is determined to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, amidst ongoing preparations for the marquee event. However, the participation of Team India remains uncertain due to the longstanding absence of bilateral cricketing ties between the two nations. Political tensions, stemming from incidents like the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, have halted regular cricketing engagements between India and Pakistan. While Pakistan holds the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy and is actively gearing up for the tournament, there is ambiguity surrounding the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) position on India’s potential visit to Pakistan, as reported by the Times of India.

Pakistan had the hosting rights for the Asia Cup as well last year. However, India did not cross the border for the tournament as the BCCI failed to get the green light from the BCCI. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had to come up with a hybrid model and India played all of their games in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan prepare for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Despite India’s uncertain stance on traveling to Pakistan, the PCB is diligently preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Reports indicate that India may play all their matches in Lahore for logistical and security reasons, as per a draft schedule prepared by the PCB. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is undergoing renovations in anticipation of the marquee event scheduled tentatively from February 19 to March 5 next year.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence in hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan and has suggested that India is likely to participate. The Champions Trophy’s return in 2025 marks its revival after being discontinued in 2017, initially due to an ICC decision later reversed.