India Unlikely to Play in 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan: Report

Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already given the draft dates to the International Cricket Council (ICC), it seems unlikely that the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan next year for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

A report from Sports Tak on Saturday claimed that India would not participate in the major ICC event in Pakistan, which is set to start on February 19, with the final scheduled for March 9.

“While the details of the tournament have not yet been discussed, it is highly unlikely that the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Indian government. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board plans to raise this issue at the upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka this month,” Sports Tak reported citing a source.

“The government’s decision on this matter will be final, as we have not yet confirmed it internally. Since this is an ICC event, we do not have the authority to make any unilateral decisions. However, more details may emerge during the next ICC meeting,” the source said.

India has not traveled to Pakistan since 2008, and they have only met once for a bilateral series in 2012-13. India was supposed to go to Pakistan in 2023 for the Asia Cup, but the tournament was held in a hybrid mode, with India’s matches, including the final, played in Sri Lanka.

The PCB submitted its draft for the Champions Trophy 2025, planning to hold seven matches in Lahore, five in Rawalpindi, and three in Karachi.

According to the draft, India and Pakistan are set to play at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 1. “The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi,” the ICC source said.

“The opening match will be held in Karachi, with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi and a final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinals if the team qualifies) will be played in Lahore,” the source added.

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