(AP Photo)
The schedule for Team India in the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been revealed. India finds itself in Group A, alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and tournament hosts Pakistan. Group B consists of Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
The competition is slated to take place from February 19 to March 9, with March 10 designated as the reserve day. Pakistan has been awarded the hosting rights for the entire tournament.
India’s group stage fixtures
As per The Telegraph’s report, the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is set for March 1, likely to be hosted at Lahore’s renowned Gaddafi Stadium. Due to logistical considerations, all of India’s matches will be staged in Lahore.
India’s campaign kicks off against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a match against New Zealand on February 23. After a substantial interval of six days, they will face Pakistan on March 1 in what promises to be a pivotal encounter.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly submitted a preliminary schedule of 15 matches for the tournament. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to confirm its agreement to the proposed timetable. Reports suggest that Lahore will host seven matches, Rawalpindi five, and Karachi three.
While the cricket boards of all participating nations have assured Pakistan of their complete cooperation, the BCCI will first consult with the government of India before responding to the ICC’s schedule.
India to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025?
The possibility looms large that the Indian government may withhold permission for the national cricket team to travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns. India’s last visit to Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup, and since then, diplomatic relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly. Should India decline to participate in Pakistan, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 might adopt a hybrid format.
The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan took place in 2013, with Pakistan visiting India for an ODI and T20I series. The T20I series ended in a draw, while Pakistan claimed victory in the ODI series with a 2-1 scoreline.
In recent events, India also opted out of traveling to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, resulting in a hybrid model where all of India’s matches, including the final against Sri Lanka, were held in Sri Lanka. India emerged victorious in the final, securing their record eighth Asia Cup title.
Ahead of the Asia Cup, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja had indicated that if India did not visit Pakistan, Pakistan would reciprocate by not participating in the ODI World Cup 2023 hosted by India. Despite these statements, Pakistan ultimately competed in the ODI World Cup, playing matches across five Indian cities: Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. However, Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament was disappointing as they failed to reach the semifinals, while India finished as the runners-up on home soil.
