PCB Delegates ICC To Confirm India's Presence For Champions Trophy In Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the International Cricket Council ( ICC ) with the task of convincing the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

A report by the Press Trust of India (PTI) reveals that while the budget for the tournament was approved during the recent ICC meeting in Colombo, discussions on the tournament's scheduling and format were not addressed, according to a PCB source.

“It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” the source stated.

Another insider indicated that the PCB has already provided comprehensive details within their expression of interest document for the upcoming event.

The report also mentioned that no formal discussions took place between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during the Sri Lanka meeting.

To address potential contingencies, the ICC has allocated additional funds in the budget for scenarios where the Indian team might have to play outside of Pakistan.

Now, the PCB is relying on the ICC to finalize and announce the tournament schedule and to secure confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's participation in Pakistan.

Historically, the Indian Cricket Board has maintained that their decision to play cricket in Pakistan is subject to approval from the central government.

Recently, the 2023 Asia Cup, which was initially planned to be entirely held in Pakistan, had to adopt a hybrid model with Sri Lanka serving as the secondary host nation.

The PCB’s draft schedule proposes that all of India’s matches, including potential knockout games, be held in Lahore, with the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan set for March 1.

The Indian cricket team last played in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, where they reached the finals but were defeated by Sri Lanka in Karachi.