PCB Submits ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Draft; Proposes Lahore As IND vs PAK Venue

The PCB submitted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule to the ICC on July 3, with Lahore slated to host a high-profile India vs Pakistan match on March 1.

PCB Proposes Lahore as Venue for IND vs PAK in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Draft. (Image Source: PTI)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted the draft schedule for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on July 3 (Wednesday,). As per a PTI report, Lahore is set to host a high-profile India vs Pakistan match on March 1, although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm the Indian team's participation in Pakistan.

The tournament is scheduled to feature all 15 matches from February 19 to March 9, spread across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who attended the ICC T20 World Cup final in Barbados, presented the tentative schedule during the event.
As per the PTI report, an ICC Board member confirmed that the PCB has submitted the draft for the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy.

ALSO ON ANP Live | ITC Maurya Hotel Crafts Special 'T20 World Cup Trophy' Cake For Team India- WATCH

Matches To Be Held In Lahore, Karachi And Rawalpindi

Seven games will be held in Lahore, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi. The opening match will be in Karachi, with semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi and the final in Lahore. All India matches, including a potential semifinal, will take place in Lahore.

"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 opening match will be held in Karachi with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinal, if the team qualifies) in Lahore," an ICC Board member said as per PTI.

India To Be Slotted With Pakistan, Bangladesh And New Zealand

India will be in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Group B will include Australia, South Africa, England and Afghanistan. All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries, except the BCCI, have assured their complete support. The BCCI will consult with the Indian government and update the ICC accordingly.

"All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries (minus BCCI) have assured him of their complete support but BCCI will consult its government and update the ICC."

It is important to note that the ICC cannot compel any Board to go against its government policy. 

The most recent tournament held in Pakistan was the Asia Cup 2023. However, India was not cleared to travel to the country, leading to a hybrid model where some matches were played in Sri Lanka.