The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide a clear “yes or no” response regarding India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan.
The request comes amid ongoing delays linked to India’s government approval process, with the BCCI yet to confirm whether their team will attend. The uncertainty has raised concerns as the tournament’s February 2025 start date approaches.
Over recent days, PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer has held detailed discussions with International Cricket Council (ICC) officials in Dubai to address the issue. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also participated in talks, aiming to finalize the tournament’s schedule, which is expected to be unveiled between November 10 and 12 in Pakistan.
This Champions Trophy will mark Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC event in over a decade, making it a significant occasion for the country’s cricketing landscape. However, India’s participation remains unclear due to the ongoing delay in receiving formal clearance from its government. While Indian authorities have historically been cautious in giving official confirmation, the PCB is now demanding a written response from the BCCI to finalize plans.
In the event that India decides not to participate, sources indicate that the ICC has prepared a contingency plan, including a revised budget for the tournament. Although details of this alternative plan remain under wraps, the ICC is committed to moving forward with the scheduled fixtures, with India’s matches tentatively planned for Lahore.
The proposed schedule outlines Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in Karachi, followed by India’s potential clash with Bangladesh in Lahore on February 20, 2025. Anticipation is high for the March 1 match between Pakistan and India, which is set to be a marquee event in Lahore.
Meanwhile, construction on the tournament venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi is progressing steadily, with the PCB targeting completion by December 30. The development is supported by an allocation of 13 billion rupees, and an ICC delegation is expected to inspect the facilities soon to ensure they meet the required standards for hosting the prestigious event.
