Pakistan keen to host Champions Trophy 2025 despite calls for neutral venue

During a recent PCB governing board meeting in Lahore, significant discussions were held regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan next year. The tournament's hosts rights were given to Pakistan a few years back, but there have been discussions concerning India's participation. 

Reports suggest that India, similar to previous tournaments, is reluctant to send its cricket team across the border. In recent days, the Indian media has been filled with negative reports indicating that the team might not make the journey across the border.

During a recent PCB governing board meeting held in Lahore, while budget allocations for stadium upgration took center stage, deliberations also encompassed the forthcoming Champions Trophy. Officials clarified that there is no neutral venue option; the tournament will indeed be held in Pakistan. No alternative plans, or "Plan B," have been devised regarding the event yet.

Despite the uncertainties, officials revealed that there is a 95% hope that the Indian cricket team will participate in the prestigious tournament. However, they emphasized that the final decision rests not with the cricket boards but with the respective governments.

PCB officials affirmed their commitment to hosting the event in Pakistan, stating that positive signals have been received regarding India's potential participation, bolstering hopes for a successful tournament.

The proposed schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy reveals that Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B comprises England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The BCCI is awaiting Indian government consultations before confirming their participation in matches hosted in Pakistan.

According to the approved schedule, the Champions Trophy will kick off on February 19 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium Karachi. The matches will continue with Pakistan facing Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 24, culminating in the highly anticipated Pakistan-India encounter slated for March 1 in Lahore.

The semi-finals are scheduled for March 5 in Karachi and March 6 in Rawalpindi, with the grand final set to take place on March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

During the recent governing board meeting, surprisingly, there was no discussion about Pakistan's disappointing performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.