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Champions Trophy: Udhampur Offers Special Prayers for India’s Win Over Pakistan

February 23, 2025, 6:47 pm

In a heartfelt blend of cricket fervor and religious faith, fans in Udhampur gathered at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple to offer special prayers for Team India’s victory in the ongoing Champions Trophy match against Pakistan.

The fierce cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan has sparked immense excitement among Indian supporters nationwide.

At the temple, the Mahant (chief priest) and devoted cricket fans conducted a special ritual, seeking divine blessings for India’s triumph. The ceremony included traditional pujas, Rudrabhishek, and aarti, performed before Lord Shiva.

The prayers at the Udhampur temple highlight the deep emotional connection Indian cricket enthusiasts share with their team’s performance, especially in high-stakes matches against Pakistan, where cricket transcends sport and becomes a national passion.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Mohammed Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first against India in their second Group A encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

India is set to take on Pakistan in this crucial match, aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.

The last time these two teams met in a Champions Trophy clash was during the 2017 final, where Virat Kohli’s formidable side suffered a crushing defeat. Chasing a massive 338-run target, India was dismissed for just 158, with Pakistan’s victory propelled by Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant century.

For players who experienced that painful loss, the chance to settle scores remains fresh in their minds, and Indian fans would undoubtedly savor every moment of their team dominating Pakistan, whether with the bat or ball.

Indian Cricket Team Arrives at ICC Academy in Dubai | Watch

February 17, 2025, 9:05 pm

The Indian men’s cricket team, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, and coach Gautam Gambhir, arrived at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Monday for their practice session ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Watch:

#WATCH | Dubai: Indian Men’s Cricketer Team, including Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, Coach Gautam Gambhir and others, arrive at the ICC Academy, Dubai for a practice session ahead of the Champions Trophy.… pic.twitter.com/I7MABA3H3y

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025

The tournament, set to begin on February 19 and run until March 9, will see all of India’s matches played in Dubai, with the rest of the games taking place in Pakistan.

Indian Flag Missing at Karachi Stadium Ahead of ICC CT Spark Controversy | Watch

February 17, 2025, 10:15 am

A new controversy broke out before the ICC Champions Trophy when a video appeared on social media showing the Indian flag missing from the National Stadium in Karachi. The video posted by fans on social media pointed out that while flags of other countries taking part were visible, the Indian flag was not. This led to online debate, with fans commenting on how surprised they were. Although the reason why the Indian flag was not there is not known, it may have something to do with the Indian team choosing to play all of its Champions Trophy games in Dubai.

Watch the video here:

No Indian flag in Karachi: As only the Indian team faced security issues in Pakistan and refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, the PCB removed the Indian flag from the Karachi stadium while keeping the flags of the other guest playing nations. pic.twitter.com/rjM9LcWQXs

— Arsalan (@Arslan1245) February 16, 2025

The Karachi Stadium will be hosting matches of teams such as New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and England. The video from the venue, days ahead of the tournament, displayed flags of the competing countries but raised questions among fans as to why the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had decided to omit the Indian flag.

The Indian team had refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, which led to a decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to adopt a hybrid format for the tournament.

In this agreement, India will host all of its matches, including the final and semi-finals, in Dubai if they advance. Under a compromise that has been reached among the BCCI, PCB, and ICC, the Pakistan cricket team will not host its matches in future ICC events hosted in India either.

‘India Will Miss the X-Factor’: Suresh Raina on Suryakumar’s Exclusion from Champions Trophy Squad

January 20, 2025, 11:49 am

Former India batter Suresh Raina has criticized the BCCI selectors for leaving Suryakumar Yadav out of the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Despite Suryakumar’s challenges in ODIs, Raina believes he could have provided the crucial “X-factor” for the team in the tournament.

Raina’s Support for Suryakumar

Raina acknowledged the strength of India’s squad but expressed his surprise at the exclusion of Suryakumar. He said, “India looks like a strong side. I am confident Rohit will take India to glory. But I was surprised with Surya’s exclusion from the team. India will miss that X-factor and that too in the middle order.”

Impressive Performances in the 2023 World Cup

Raina emphasized Suryakumar’s outstanding performance in the 2023 World Cup. He stated, “We saw Surya’s performance in the 2023 World Cup. He was scoring runs all over the ground, which is why he is called Mr. 360.” Additionally, Raina highlighted Suryakumar’s unique skills, saying, “He plays superb sweep shots and is a game-changer.” Moreover, he praised his ability to handle pressure, noting, “He has the ability to chase a required run rate of 9-plus against top teams.” Raina firmly concluded, “He should have been in the squad.”

Suryakumar’s Potential in Dubai Conditions

Raina also pointed out that Suryakumar would have been an asset in Dubai’s unique playing conditions. He explained, “India needed a player who could dominate the opposition in the middle overs. The dimensions of the Dubai ground are unique—you have small areas in front and larger ones towards the covers. Surya would have utilised these conditions exceptionally well.”

Added Pressure on the Top Order

With Suryakumar’s exclusion, Raina emphasized that the top-order batsmen will now face greater responsibility. He remarked, “In his absence, there will be a lot of responsibility on the top three batters, who are also not in the best form.” Furthermore, he questioned the team’s strategy in the middle overs, asking, “Will India go with KL Rahul, or will Rishabh move up the order? Or will Shubman open the innings with Rohit?” Clearly, there are several crucial decisions to make. Raina also pointed out that Suryakumar’s inclusion would have offered much-needed flexibility in the batting order, making it easier to adapt to different match situations.

Suryakumar’s ODI Statistics

Suryakumar has played 37 ODIs, scoring 773 runs at an average of 25.76. His most recent ODI appearance was in the 2023 World Cup final, where India lost to Australia. He managed 106 runs in seven matches during the tournament, with an average of 17.66.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

Looking ahead, India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and Pakistan on February 23 in the Champions Trophy 2025.

The squad for the tournament includes Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja.
*Harshit Rana will replace Bumrah in the squad for the England ODI series until Bumrah recovers.

‘We’ll Try To Do Everything We Can’: Rohit Sharma Eyes Champions Trophy Triumph at Wankhede Stadium

January 20, 2025, 11:45 am

Rohit Sharma, captain of the Indian men&’s cricket team, has shown his commitment to winning the next ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Due to political issues, India will perform its games in Dubai rather than Pakistan in the eight-team competition scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9. Starting against Bangladesh on February 20, India’s trip includes a key matchup with Pakistan on February 23 and finishes with a Group A match versus New Zealand on March 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Rohit, who is scheduled to captain the Indian team in the Champions Trophy, emphasized the team’s determination to bring the trophy home during his speech on Sunday (January 19) at the 50th anniversary celebration of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

#WATCH | Wankhede Stadium's 50th anniversary: Maharashtra | Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Indian Men's cricket team captain Rohit Sharma says, "We will try our best. It is always a dream to represent the Indian team in any ICC trophy. We will embark on another dream. I… pic.twitter.com/RmK3pKJdA8

— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025

We will do our best. Representing the Indian team in every ICC trophy is always a dream. Another dream is ahead for us. By the time we arrive in Dubai, 140 crore people would most likely be behind us. Rohit said, “we will try all we can to bring the trophy back once more at Wankhede.

Rohit has captained India full-time since November 2021 and led the team last year to a stunning T20 World Cup win last year, sealing the trophy with an intact winning streak. Rohit, now dreaming of winning another ICC championship as captain, wants to help fans to get over the agony of losing the Test series to Australia after a decade as captain of the successful 2013 ICC Champions Trophy squad of MS Dhoni.

Along with a three-match ODI series, India will welcome England for a five-match T20I series starting January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, before heading to Dubai. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the T20I team, but Rohit will captain the ODI outfit.

Champions Trophy: Captains’ Meet and Opening Ceremony to Take Place in Pakistan Amid Ongoing Visa Discussions

January 16, 2025, 11:46 am

The Champions Trophy 2025 will commence with grand celebrations in Pakistan, where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is organizing the captains’ meet and the opening ceremony. Despite security concerns preventing India from traveling to Pakistan, the PCB is confident that India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, will attend the event.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for either February 16 or 17, ahead of the first match on February 19 in Karachi. While the dates for the customary captains’ photo-shoot and press conference are still to be finalized by the ICC, sources confirm that PCB has made arrangements for all necessary clearances, including for Indian representatives.

India, citing security issues, will play all its matches in Dubai, beginning with a game against Bangladesh on February 20. However, the PCB insists that the opening ceremony in Pakistan will follow the traditional protocol, involving all eight teams and their captains.

In preparation for the event, the PCB has issued visas to three Indian nationals as part of an ICC delegation visiting Pakistan, reflecting their commitment to ensuring full participation. Although logistical challenges persist, both the PCB and ICC are working together to ensure a successful Champions Trophy despite the ongoing geopolitical complexities.

“This includes Rohit or any other Indian team player, official, or board representative,” a PCB source stated.

Champions Trophy Ticket Prices: Sky-High in Dubai, Shockingly Low in Pakistan at Just Rs…

January 16, 2025, 11:42 am

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has established the initial ticket prices for the forthcoming Champions Trophy at PKR 1000 (roughly INR 310) for the general seating in games taking place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. For the Pakistan-Bangladesh match in Rawalpindi, the general ticket price rises to PKR 2000 (INR 620), and for the semi-finals, it increases to PKR 2500 (INR 776).

VIP tickets are set at PKR 12,000 (INR 3726) for most matches, but for the semi-finals, this will jump to PKR 25,000 (INR 7764). Premium enclosure tickets are priced at PKR 3500 (INR 1086) for games in Karachi, PKR 5000 (INR 1550) for Lahore, and PKR 7000 (INR 2170) for the Pakistan-Bangladesh match. VIP enclosure prices will range from PKR 7000 (Karachi) to PKR 12,500 (for the Bangladesh match in Rawalpindi).

The PCB intends to release 18,000 general tickets, although specifics on how many tickets can be bought per individual and whether they will be available at physical locations or just online remain uncertain.

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has identified Dubai as a neutral setting for India’s matches, the PCB contends that it is entitled to the proceeds from gate receipts and hospitality box sales for those games, including the eagerly awaited February 23 match against India. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) will manage the operational expenses, including ground rental.

“The ECB will clearly provide guidance to the ICC and PCB on the ticket prices for varying enclosures in Dubai and what charges should be applied for hospitality box sales prior to any announcements being made,” a source revealed.

Champions Trophy Without India “Impossible,” Broadcasters Tell ICC; PCB Missing From ‘Hybrid Model’ Talks

December 5, 2024, 11:37 pm

The Champions Trophy 2025 schedule remains pending as the ICC’s board meeting with broadcasters Star Sports was postponed to Saturday, according to PTI. Originally set for Thursday, the meeting was meant to discuss the support for the ‘Hybrid Model’ under newly-elected ICC Chair Jay Shah. BCCI Joint Secretary Devajit Lon Saikia represented India, while officials from England and Wales Cricket, Cricket Australia, and Cricket West Indies were absent. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also did not attend.

Reports suggest that the ICC Board is expected to reject PCB’s demands for a hybrid model for future ICC events in India. The PCB may, however, receive compensation. Broadcasters have made it clear that a Champions Trophy without India is not feasible and that an India-Pakistan group match is crucial for revenue.

On the same day, Jay Shah visited the ICC headquarters in Dubai for the first time as chairperson, meeting with the Board of Directors, which included members from Bangladesh, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Malaysia, and the UAE.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan between January and March 2025, has faced delays in its schedule due to security concerns raised by the Indian government regarding sending their team to Pakistan. The BCCI proposed a ‘Hybrid Model’ where India’s matches would be held in the UAE, but the PCB rejected this idea.

Champions Trophy Hybrid Model Approved, But ICC’s Decision Could Cost India Dearly: Report

December 5, 2024, 10:56 pm

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, allowing India to play its matches in Dubai while the rest of the tournament takes place in Pakistan. This arrangement was reportedly finalized during an informal meeting in Dubai between ICC President Jay Shah and the Board of Directors, including representatives from Pakistan.

An ICC source revealed, “It’s been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders.” The tournament is scheduled for February-March next year.

Pakistan, after retracting its boycott threat during the previous ICC meeting, pushed for a reciprocal arrangement for hybrid models until 2031. While the ICC has agreed to implement the hybrid format until 2027, this means Pakistan can play its matches at neutral venues in events hosted by India. For instance, in the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan will play its games in Sri Lanka.

Also Read: “Should India Pull Out…”: Broadcaster’s Message To ICC Sparks Champions Trophy Controversy

However, the arrangement may require the Indian women’s team to play league matches against Pakistan at neutral venues in future events, depending on the schedule. ICC has yet to announce the Champions Trophy schedule, which has caused delays in meeting its contractual obligations to broadcaster Star Sports. Discussions on operational aspects of the hybrid model and schedule are ongoing.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also sought increased revenue to accommodate India’s demands for a hybrid model, though no decision has been announced. Reflecting on the broader implications, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi stated, “Cricket should win, that’s most important, but with respect for all. We are going to do what’s best for cricket.”

India has avoided touring Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, citing security concerns. The ICC has maintained that no member board should violate government travel advisories. This hybrid arrangement aims to resolve these longstanding issues while ensuring the smooth conduct of ICC events.

ICC Warns PCB: Accept Hybrid Model Or Risk Losing Champions Trophy Hosting Rights

November 29, 2024, 9:28 pm

The International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during a board meeting on November 19 that a hybrid hosting model is the only viable solution for the Champions Trophy 2025, following India’s refusal to grant its team permission to travel to Pakistan.

Despite the PCB’s insistence on hosting all matches in Pakistan, the ICC clarified that this arrangement is not feasible. The PCB has requested a day to consult with its government, and further discussions are scheduled for November 30. Sources suggest the PCB may ultimately accept the hybrid model after consultations.

Potential Outcomes:

Acceptance of the Hybrid Model: India’s matches, one semi-final, and the final would be held in Dubai, while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan. PCB retains partial hosting rights.
Rejection of the Hybrid Model: If Pakistan remains firm, the ICC could revoke its hosting rights, awarding the tournament to another country. This could lead to Pakistan boycotting the event.

The meeting, attended by ICC members virtually, failed to reach a consensus. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s stance against the hybrid model, stating, “Pakistan will not agree.”

Pakistan secured hosting rights for the Champions Trophy in 2021 and has been renovating its stadiums. However, recent political protests in Islamabad, which led to Sri Lanka A cutting short their tour, have raised security concerns.

Also Read: PCB Rejects Hybrid Model For Champions Trophy; ICC To Discuss Further On Saturday

Pakistan had previously hosted the 2023 Asia Cup under a hybrid model, accommodating India’s refusal to play on Pakistani soil. India and Pakistan last played bilateral cricket in the 2012-13 season, with India last visiting Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup.

The Champions Trophy, featuring the top eight ODI teams, is slated to return after Pakistan’s 2017 victory against India in the final at The Oval, London.

India Dominates Pakistan Again, ICC Weighs Bold Proposal For 2025 Champions Trophy

November 27, 2024, 4:05 pm

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is getting ready to take a final call on the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. But the fate of the tournament hangs in the balance as India has stuck to its stance of not playing in Pakistan, given the tense bilateral relationship. The ICC’s executive board will meet virtually on November 29 to discuss the scheduling and venue deadlock.

The finalization of the schedule has been delayed due to India’s insistence on a ‘hybrid’ model, wherein the matches involving India will be played in a neutral venue, likely the UAE. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is facing a lot of opposition within the ICC board as most members of the board are keen to settle this to ensure India’s participation.

An ICC spokesperson confirmed the meeting, saying, “The ICC board will meet on November 29 to discuss the Champions Trophy schedule.” According to reports, PCB may be convinced to accept the hybrid model as a Champions Trophy without India could result in significant financial losses for the ICC and the cricketing ecosystem.

A similar hybrid model was used for the 2023 Asia Cup where India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka while Pakistan played other matches. The PCB is expected to receive financial benefits along with the hosting fee of $70 million for accepting this hybrid model.

Also Read: Champions Trophy Host Nation To Be Decided Post ICC Meeting On November 29: Report

This would come days before BCCI secretary Jay Shah takes up his position as ICC chairman on December 1. PCB hints at retaliatory measures, potentially boycotting future ICC events in India, such as the Women’s World Cup and the Asia Cup, should their demands not be met.

ICC Warns PCB: No Champions Trophy Without India, Advises Against Controversial Statements

November 20, 2024, 12:31 am

With just three months left until the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, uncertainty looms over the tournament’s venue. India’s firm stance against traveling to Pakistan has left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) adamant about hosting the event entirely within their country.

India last played in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, and diplomatic tensions have since prevented bilateral cricketing ties. Pakistan, hosting its first ICC event in 29 years since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, was previously stripped of hosting rights for the 2008 Champions Trophy and co-hosting the 2011 World Cup due to security concerns.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Set To Be Revealed Soon: Report

ICC Advocates Hybrid Model

According to ANI, the ICC is engaging in back-channel discussions with PCB to persuade them to accept a hybrid hosting model. The cricketing body has reportedly emphasized that “no ICC tournament is possible without India taking part in it” and has urged PCB to refrain from making statements against India.

If agreed upon, India would play their matches in the UAE, while other fixtures would remain in Pakistan. The tournament schedule is anticipated shortly, with multiple reports suggesting it will run from February 19-29, 2025. The PCB’s draft reportedly slots India’s matches in Lahore, with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash proposed for March 1.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi: Champions Trophy Will Be Held In Pakistan, No Hybrid Model Champions Trophy

November 18, 2024, 7:24 pm

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has once more emphasized that the Champions Trophy would continue to take place in Pakistan and rejected the hybrid model, reaffirming his earlier stance. He further stated that if India has any issues, they should sit with the PCB to discuss them.

“Pakistan’s pride and honour is our priority. The event of Champions Trophy will be held in our country only, we will not agree on Hybrid Model. If there are any issues with India, they should come to us and we will resolve them,” Naqvi said while talking to the mediapersons outside the Gaddafi Stadium here. “We stick by our stance that we wouldn’t ever move to a hybrid model. We await the ICC releasing the schedule as soon as possible,” he added.

Also Read: PCB Risks 65 Million Dollar And ICC Sanctions With Potential Champions Trophy Boycott: Report

Naqvi also appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to maintain its integrity as the world’s governing body of the sport. “The ICC needs to think about its credibility as it speaks for all cricketing bodies around the world. The schedule has been rescheduled, but we haven’t received any cancellation notice. Every other team in the world, that has qualified for the Champions Trophy, is ready to come and has no issue,” he said.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's media talk at Gaddafi Stadium as he inspected the venue's upgradation pic.twitter.com/kW7yzH68aY

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 18, 2024

He reiterated his notion of never letting sports and politics mix up and added, “I still believe that sports and politics should not interfere with each other, and I maintain a positive outlook.” He asserted, “I think no one can give us a tough time. Every ICC member has its right, things cannot function like this. I am just hoping for a positive result when it comes to Champions Trophy.”

On November 16, the ICC launched the Champions Trophy tour in Islamabad, and the trophy will visit India between January 15 and 26.

PCB Risks 65 Million Dollar And ICC Sanctions With Potential Champions Trophy Boycott: Report

November 13, 2024, 3:42 pm

News is emerging regarding the issue surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and that severe financial penalties may be accompanied by a PCB boycott based on India’s insistence to play at a neutral venue. As it has been specified by the ICC that Pakistan would host the Champions Trophy, the concerns for the participation of India have been widely in the media due to strained diplomatic ties.

The ICC has just confirmed this to the PCB in an official notice. The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has already said that Pakistan does not plan to opt for a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, reports state that Pakistan’s government is now weighing up the option of withdrawing itself totally from the tournament.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Demands Written Justification From India Over Travel Refusal

After boycotting the championship, as sources tell Cricbuzz, it will be risking not receiving the full hosting fee amounting to $65 million. On top of that, even the funding from the ICC will be reduced. “The act of the BCCI refusing to travel means the PCB cannot do much else but organize the event using a hybrid model,” sources said. According to PTI, if this model is finalized, ICC would ensure PCB gets the “full hosting fees” and that the chance of hosting “the majority of the matches” remains in the hands of PCB.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has insisted the PCB version, however, while speaking at a press conference stated that there was no official communication from BCCI regarding any issue. * “We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we’re ready to speak on this”* Naqvi remarked while adding that he is yet to receive any letter from the ICC or the BCCI.

Conversely, India has not traveled to Pakistan since the notorious 2008 Mumbai attacks and has only shared matches with this team in ICC events.

ICC’s Plan B Ready If India Declines To Travel To Pakistan For 2025 Champions Trophy

August 4, 2024, 4:33 pm

The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to return in 2025, with Pakistan set to host the tournament from February 19 to March 9. However, the decision to hold the event in Pakistan has raised significant concerns about India’s participation due to ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between the two nations. As Pakistan is the defending champion and the tournament’s return was announced in 2021 after a hiatus since 2017, there are uncertainties surrounding whether India will travel to Pakistan for the matches.

ICC’s Contingency Measures

To address potential issues, the ICC has reportedly allocated a budget of approximately $65 million to cover the costs of hosting matches in alternative locations if India opts out of traveling to Pakistan. This decision was made during the ICC’s recent AGM in Colombo, ensuring that all contingencies are covered. The budget includes expenses related to staging the event outside Pakistan if necessary.

Match Venues and Schedule

A planning meeting and venue inspections in Pakistan were conducted in March 2024, leading to significant upgrades at the three proposed match venues. According to the draft schedule, India is set to compete in Lahore, with their matches including a high-profile clash against Pakistan on March 1.

The group stage will also see India facing Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23. Despite the preparations, the ICC’s backup plan underscores the ongoing uncertainties and the importance of flexibility in managing the tournament’s logistics.

India Not Likely To Visit Pakistan For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

July 6, 2024, 7:01 pm

The Indian cricket team fondly called Men In Blue is not likely to visit Pakistan for the ICC champions trophy 2025.

According to available information, any decision regarding India travel comes under the government.

Talking about travel status, sportstak’s source said ‘While the details of the tournament have not yet been discussed, it is highly unlikely that the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Indian government. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to raise this issue at the upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka this month.’

Furthermore, the source also revealed, that the government decision on this matter will be final and more details will be revealed in the next ICC meeting.

Meanwhile a couple of days ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided its draft for the upcoming champions trophy. Under this draft, seven matches have been given to Lahore, five to Rawalpindi and three to Karachi.

Reportedly, the iconic India-Pakistan will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 1.

Quoting PTI, the ICC source said, ‘The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi.’

Moreover, the source also said, ‘The opening match will be held in Karachi, with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi and a final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinals, if the team qualifies) will be played in Lahore.’

The 2025 edition of Champions trophy is going to be held from February 19 to March 9. Previously, the last edition was held in England. Where sarfaraz ahmed led Pakistan defeated Virat Kohli led Indian team in 2017 at finals.