PCB Seeks ICC’s Help To Convince India To Travel To Pakistan For Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed over the responsibility to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

A PCB source revealed that while the budget for the Champions Trophy received approval at recent ICC meetings in Colombo, the schedule and format were not discussed. “The PCB has fulfilled its duties as the host by submitting the draft schedule, format, and budget for the event,” the source stated.

The PCB has proposed that all of India’s matches, including a potential semi-final and final, be hosted in Lahore. The board has also formally addressed tax arrangements, venue selections, and secured government clearance for hosting the Indian team in Pakistan.

The PCB initially expressed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021 during Ehsan Mani’s tenure and secured hosting rights in 2022 under Ramiz Raja.

Mohsin Naqvi, the current PCB chief, did not have formal discussions with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during the ICC meetings, but interactions were reportedly amicable.

The ICC is now tasked with finalising the tournament schedule and confirming whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. In anticipation of potential logistical issues, the ICC has included supplementary expenses in its budget for scenarios where Indian matches might need to be relocated.

As per the draft schedule, India’s matches, including a marquee fixture against Pakistan on March 1, 2025, are set to be held in Lahore. The BCCI maintains that decisions regarding the tour are under governmental jurisdiction, evidenced by the 2023 ODI Asia Cup where India played all matches in Sri Lanka as part of a ‘Hybrid Model.’

The final schedule and confirmation from the BCCI are awaited as the ICC prepares to finalise details for the tournament.