Champions Trophy 2025: PCB sticks to original plan despite India's participation in limbo

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to prepare a Plan B for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held early next year.

Officials are optimistic that the Indian cricket team will travel to Lahore to participate in the tournament, dismissing the idea of adopting a hybrid model.

According to the details, the Champions Trophy marks a significant event for Pakistan, as it will be hosting a global cricket tournament after a long hiatus. Despite uncertainties surrounding India's participation, the PCB remains steadfast in its decision to host all matches in Pakistan.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated multiple times that there are no plans to adopt a hybrid model, similar to the one used for the Asia Cup. 

Sources within the PCB confirm that there is no contingency plan involving alternate venues or co-hosts. The hybrid model, which involved co-hosting with Sri Lanka, faced logistical and financial challenges during the Asia Cup, leaving unresolved disputes between the PCB, Sri Lanka, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Moreover, Pakistan has not initiated any discussions with the UAE about potential co-hosting arrangements. PCB officials are confident that India will play its scheduled matches in Lahore, as per the proposed schedule. 

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with renovations expected to be completed by December.

To ensure world-class facilities, the PCB has enlisted the expertise of a foreign company with a proven track record in stadium design. 

The board will make specific modifications to the initial designs, aiming to provide cricket fans with an enhanced viewing experience once the renovations are complete.