In a firm stance, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded a definitive “yes or no” response from BCCI over India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan.
Salman Naseer, the Chief Operating Officer of the PCB has been in intensive discussions with ICC officials in Dubai, joined earlier by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, to iron out details for the tournament’s schedule.
The ICC traditionally releases tournament schedules three months ahead, with the Champions Trophy’s unveiling expected between November 10 and 12 in Pakistan.
Lahore is slated to host India’s matches, assuming participation from their side but so far BCCI has not offered a proper answer to PCB. India’s participation remains a pending approval from its government, which historically avoids issuing written confirmations for tours to Pakistan. Despite the long-standing ambiguity, the PCB has pressed the BCCI to secure formal government approval.
If no official confirmation is received, the ICC plans to release the schedule as planned, with India’s fixtures pencilled in for Lahore. Should India ultimately decline, a backup plan is in place, including budget adjustments, though specific details remain confidential.
The proposed Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi.
The following day, India is set to face Bangladesh in Lahore, while Afghanistan meets South Africa in Karachi on February 21. The tournament will conclude with the final on March 9, 2025, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan and India are expected to clash on March 1st in Lahore.
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.