Champions Trophy 2025: Schedule For India Vs Pakistan Clash Revealed

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, featuring eight teams, including India. The tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

The Champions Trophy returns after an eight-year hiatus. The eight teams will be split into two groups of four. Each team will play three round-robin matches within their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

In the draft schedule submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), India is grouped with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in Group A. Group B includes Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.

According to reports, the high-profile India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This venue will also host a semifinal and the final if India reaches that stage.

The PCB has proposed that seven matches take place in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi. Depending on India's progress, another match might be held in Lahore.

Recently, ICC head of events Chris Tetley met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad. This meeting followed an inspection of venues and arrangements by the ICC's security team.

"The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi," an ICC Board member told PTI.

"The opening match will be held in Karachi with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinal, if the team qualifies) in Lahore," the source added.

India's Participation Uncertain

India's participation remains uncertain due to previous travel restrictions. In 2023, India opted not to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Instead, they played their matches in Sri Lanka under a 'Hybrid Model' as per government directives.

The PCB has submitted a draft schedule with all of India's matches set to be played in Lahore. However, it remains unclear if India will travel to Pakistan for this tournament.

"All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries (minus BCCI) have assured him of their complete support but BCCI will consult its government and update the ICC," a source mentioned.

Support from Other Boards

The report indicates that all board chiefs have agreed to visit Pakistan for the tournament except for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI plans to consult its government before making a final decision.

The ICC cannot compel any board to act against its government's policies. It remains to be seen when BCCI will make its final decision regarding participation.

(With PTI inputs)