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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalise the venues for the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played in Pakistan in 2025. With India’s participation in the Champions Trophy under clouds, the PCB is in talks to host their neighbours and arch-rivals India in one city during the tournament.
However, the PCB has picked three cities in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore to hosting the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy, they have reportedly suggested ICC to host all India matches in one city only. “The ICC General Manager Wasim Khan also recently visited Lahore where he discussed the CT arrangements with the PCB top brass and it was suggested that the Indian team’s travel itinerary be kept to a minimum,” a PCB source informed.
The source as quoted by NDTV Sports, stated that India could play its initial qualifying round matches in Karachi, before moving to a different venue, most likely to be Lahore for the knockout stage. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, basing India in one city will avoid considerable logistical and security headaches. Moreover, it also understands that Lahore, which is based close to the Wagah border, will be comparatively easier for India.
While Pakistan will host an ICC event for the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup, India hasn’t travelled to Pakistan since 2008. Last year, the Indian cricket team did not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which was eventually moved out to Sri Lanka in a hybrid model. The Men in Blue played all their matches in Sri Lanka.
Speaking of India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, the final decision lies in the hands of Indian government, rather than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
