The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to kick off on February 19
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan, India and BCCI latest news today: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its willingness to adjust the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule and venues to accommodate India's stance of not traveling to Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions. Originally, the PCB had planned for all of India’s matches to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, with the Indian government unlikely to approve a visit to Pakistan, the PCB is now considering a hybrid hosting model, allowing India to play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This arrangement would mark the second instance of Pakistan hosting a major international cricket event on a hybrid model. In 2023, Pakistan shared the hosting of the Asia Cup with Sri Lanka after India declined to play in Pakistan. India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka, with the tournament's final also staged there after India advanced to the knockout rounds.
Under the proposed plan, India would play its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai or Sharjah, while Pakistan would host its games domestically. This arrangement, however, poses logistical challenges for other teams, who may have to travel between Pakistan and the UAE to face both Pakistan and India during the tournament. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently awaiting formal confirmation from the PCB regarding the hybrid model, as it cannot ask any team to act contrary to their government’s policies. The decision to implement the hybrid format ultimately rests with the PCB.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to kick off on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi, while the final is scheduled for March 9 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Matches are also planned for Rawalpindi and Karachi, with PCB revamping these venues in preparation for the event. The final tournament schedule is anticipated next week, following the ICC's review of the PCB’s proposed adjustments.
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