India has officially informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it will not send its cricket team to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set for February 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested that India’s matches be moved to Dubai due to ongoing concerns about playing in Pakistan. A source within the BCCI confirmed that their position has been consistent and they prefer that matches be held outside of Pakistan.
The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious 50-over tournaments in cricket and will feature the world’s top eight teams. Pakistan, as the host nation, plans to hold matches across several cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, the PCB has stated that it does not intend to adopt a “hybrid model” for the tournament, which would involve moving India’s games to the UAE, despite earlier discussions about this possibility.
An ICC delegation is scheduled to visit Lahore from November 10 to 12 to assess preparations for the event. During their visit, a special event on November 11 is expected to reveal more details, including the tournament’s official schedule. Under the proposed groupings, Pakistan is set to compete in Group A along with India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B will include England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Lahore is set to host seven matches, including the final, while Karachi will hold the tournament opener and one semi-final, with the other semi-final to be held in Rawalpindi. India’s participation in the tournament still depends on the Indian government’s approval for travel to Pakistan.
