The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to be held in Pakistan, but India’s matches, including the final, may be moved to Dubai if they qualify, amid ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
New Delhi: The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan, with matches scheduled to be held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The tournament will kick off on February 19, culminating in the final on March 9.
According to a report in The Telegraph UK, India’s matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy are anticipated to be relocated from Pakistan, including the final, should they qualify for the tournament.
The report suggests that the summit clash of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy may be shifted from Lahore to Dubai. With the final scheduled for March 9, a decision on the venue is expected by March 6. The same considerations apply to the semi-finals, with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also being potential locations.
India hasn’t travelled to Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions between the two nations.
This development follows remarks by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who expressed confidence that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy would take place in Pakistan and that all teams, including arch-rivals India, would participate in the tournament.
“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
He further stated that Pakistan was fully prepared to host all teams, including India, and that preparations were on track.
“The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament,” he added.
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla previously mentioned that the final decision regarding India participating in cricket matches in Pakistan, including the Champions Trophy, would rest with the Indian government. Last year, the BCCI attributed its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup to a denial of permission from the government. Following extensive discussions, the continental tournament was co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.