ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Tournament final to be shifted from Lahore to Dubai due to India

The venue for next year's ICC Champions Trophy final could be changed at the last moment, according to reports. While Pakistan have the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, it is highly likely that the final will be played outside the country.

As of now, the final is scheduled to be held in Lahore. However, the Champions Trophy 2025 decider could be shifted to Dubai if India qualify for the game. According to a report from The Telegraph, the situation has created the possibility that there will be no certainty over the venue until days before the Champions Trophy final.

The venues for all the games have already been confirmed. At present, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is proceeding with the original plans for the competition. The ICC or even the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not discussed the possibility of shifting any part of the competition outside Pakistan.

However, there is still a possibility that they are compelled to do so because of India's stance. India have not visited Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions. They have also not played any bilateral series with Pakistan for more than a decade now. It would not be surprising if India decide against visiting Pakistan next year.

Time and again, the BCCI has stated that the decision to play against Pakistan or visit the country depends entirely on the Indian government. And so far, there has been no indication that the Indian government will relax their ban on touring Pakistan.

The report further stated that there is a strong possibility that the ICC will ultimately find a different venue for India's matches, if they advance that far, the final itself.

Uncertainty over venue for ICC Champions Trophy final:

If India's games are indeed shifted outside Pakistan, it will create an extraordinary situation for the ICC and PCB. While the final is to be played on March 9, the venue for the game will not be known until March 6.

The venue for the title decider will depend on India's result. Until then, two grounds would have
to prepare for the final while the teams, officials, media as well as fans will remain unsure of the venue.

Apart from India's group games and potentially the final, one of the semifinals would also need to be played outside Pakistan if the Men in Blue reach the last four. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have the facilities to host games at late notice and they are likely to host India's matches during the Champions Trophy.

PCB faced a similar situation last year as well when it had the hosting rights for the Asia Cup. After India refused to travel to Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council had come up with a hybrid model. As a result, India played all of their games including the final in Sri Lanka.