PCB proposes new arrangement for India's participation in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put forth a new proposal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an effort to ensure India’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The tournament's organization has been clouded by uncertainties regarding India's travel to Pakistan, with all other participating teams already confirming their presence.

India's participation hinges on the approval of the Indian government, as the BCCI has made it clear that travel to Pakistan is contingent on security assessments. The PCB is aware of these concerns and has proposed a solution: the Indian team can return to India—either Chandigarh or Delhi—after each match, thereby circumventing the need for an extended stay in Pakistan.

According to the latest reports by Cricbuzz, the PCB has communicated its commitment to assist the Indian team with travel logistics, facilitating their return home between matches to alleviate security worries. Given the long gap of a week between the last two group matches, the PCB considers this arrangement both practical and feasible.

The draft schedule indicates that India's matches will primarily be held in Lahore, conveniently located near the Indian border. In a strategic move, one of India's matches against New Zealand may be shifted to Rawalpindi, also in Punjab province, further enhancing the feasibility of this proposal.

The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four, with India placed alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and host nation Pakistan. India is set to kick off its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.

The last time the Indian cricket team visited Pakistan was for the Asia Cup in 2008, following which relations between the two countries have significantly deteriorated, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks linked to Pakistan.