(Source X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to defer the responsibility to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure the participation of the Indian team in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.
As reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the ICC meeting in Colombo approved the tournament budget, although details such as scheduling and format were reportedly not discussed, according to a source within the PCB.
“It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” he said.
According to another source, the PCB has included comprehensive details in their expression of interest document for the upcoming tournament. However, there were no formal discussions between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during their recent meeting in Sri Lanka, as reported. The ICC has also earmarked additional funds in the budget to address any contingencies involving the Indian team playing matches outside Pakistan.
Nevertheless, the PCB has entrusted the ICC with finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule, as well as securing confirmation from the BCCI regarding India’s participation in Pakistan. The Indian Cricket Board has consistently maintained that any decision to play cricket in Pakistan hinges on approval from their central government.
Most notably, the 2023 Asia Cup, initially slated to be held solely in Pakistan, transitioned to a hybrid format with Sri Lanka serving as the co-host nation.
According to the PCB’s proposal, all of India’s matches, including the knockout stage, are slated to be held in Lahore, with the highly anticipated clash between the arch-rivals scheduled for March 1.
The Indian cricket team’s last appearance in Pakistan dates back to the 2008 Asia Cup, where they advanced to the finals but were ultimately defeated by Sri Lanka in Karachi.
