ICC explore backup venues for 2025 Champions Trophy final if India qualifies

As preparations for next year’s Champions Trophy ramp up, a significant venue uncertainty has emerged that could see the final relocated from Lahore to Dubai if India qualifies. 

The tournament, scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, is officially set to be hosted entirely in Pakistan, with all 15 match venues confirmed. However, the ongoing political climate and historical context raise questions about India’s participation in the event.

India has not played an international match in Pakistan since 2008, and there is currently no indication that the Indian government will lift its ban on tours to the country. As discussions about alternative arrangements remain informal, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly exploring options for venues if India advance to the latter stages of the tournament.

The final is currently slated for March 9 in Lahore, but sources suggest that Dubai could serve as a backup venue. If India progresses to the final, the venue could remain undecided until just three days before the match, creating logistical challenges for competing teams, match officials, media, and fans.

In addition to potential adjustments for the final, if India reach the semi-finals, alternative venues such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah may also be required to host matches on short notice. This scenario echoes the precedent set during last year’s Asia Cup, which was originally planned for Pakistan but ultimately saw India’s matches played in Sri Lanka due to similar political tensions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that any decisions regarding touring Pakistan will be guided by the Indian government. While India has not played in a bilateral series against Pakistan since the 2012-13 season, the two nations continue to meet in global competitions, including the Champions Trophy.

At this year’s T20 World Cup, India was assured a spot in the semi-finals in Guyana, irrespective of their performance in earlier stages. If a similar hybrid model is implemented for the Champions Trophy, India would also be guaranteed to play their semi-final and potentially the final outside Pakistan, creating a situation where other teams remain uncertain about their venues.

All of India’s group matches are currently scheduled to take place in Lahore, a city conveniently located just two hours from the Indian border. Despite logistical preparations aimed at facilitating India’s travel, the current political climate poses significant hurdles to their participation.

Tournament organizers remain hopeful that the mega-event tournament will proceed as planned in Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated this optimism, stating, “The Indian team should come. We are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.”

The Champions Trophy will mark the first global tournament held in Pakistan since 1996 and is a crucial event for the country’s cricket landscape. Pakistan enters the tournament as defending champions, having triumphed over India in the final of the last edition held in 2017.