There has been much discussion about the 2025 Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan and its implications for India’s participation. Due to political tensions, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in over a decade, only facing each other in international tournaments. While Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India has not yet confirmed its plans for the Champions Trophy. Although Lahore has reportedly been set as the final’s venue, a report from Telegraph.co.uk suggests that the final could be moved to Dubai if India qualifies for the 2025 Champions Trophy final.
The report also suggests that India may play all their matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if they decide not to travel to Pakistan. Despite this, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed confidence that the entire tournament will take place in Pakistan. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be successfully hosted in Pakistan, with all teams, including India, expected to participate.
Scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, the Champions Trophy will be held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Naqvi highlighted that preparations are on track, with stadium improvements underway. He addressed India’s participation uncertainty, noting that India hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 but expressed optimism that India would be part of the tournament.
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“We expect the Indian team to come. I don’t foresee them cancelling or postponing their trip, and we are confident of hosting all teams in the Champions Trophy here in Pakistan,” Naqvi told reporters in Lahore.
He also assured that the stadiums would be ready on time, with additional renovations planned after the event. “In a way, we will have a brand new stadium,” Naqvi added.
