ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Cricket Board eyeing a desperate move for a final decision on the venue

The future of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is a key topic of discussion during the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Dubai. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will provide updates on the tournament preparations and other details during the meeting in Dubai from October 18 to 21.

Pakistan was awarded hosting rights to the Champions Trophy 2025. However, there is uncertainty about hosting the whole ICC tournament in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to ongoing tensions between the two countries.

ICC Meeting To Finalize Venues For Champions Trophy 2025

The upcoming meeting is crucial for the ICC event, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India will clear their stance on playing in Pakistan. Four-day meeting will feature a session discussing the tournament's preparations and other topics.

Officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are in Multan and will travel to Dubai for the upcoming meeting. ICC delegations previously visited Pakistan three times and were pleased with the preparations for the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is determined to proceed with hosting the prestigious event in Pakistan despite facing potential challenges from the Indian Cricket Board. Notably, PCB had to host last year’s Asia Cup in a hybrid model due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan.

Lahore Set To Host Final Match Of Champions Trophy 2025

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan is placed in Group A of the Champions Trophy alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. As the defending champions, Pakistan aims to reclaim their title. The Men in Green, under Sarfaraz Ahmed, defeated India in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017.

CT 2025 will take place across three major cities: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will host seven matches, including the summit clash. Karachi will host the opening match and one semi-final match, while Rawalpindi will stage five matches, including the other semi-final match of the event.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Urges Team India To Visit Pakistan

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged India to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He expressed optimism about the Indian cricket team playing in Pakistan, despite the challenges posed by political authorities.

“If you ask the Indian cricket team, they would also suggest playing in Pakistan. Despite they are ready to play, however, those who have the power to allow them don’t grant them permission,” he told the journalists.

"The SCO conference could mark a good start for Pakistan-India relations. A lot could improve if Pakistan-India ties are restored," he said.

"If you ask the Indian team, I am sure they would also say they want to come and play in Pakistan. Let's see what the future holds," he added.

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