India vs Pakistan to take place in Lahore on March 1 as PCB submits ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule without BCCI's approval

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in no mood to adopt a hybrid model for the highly-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and has made it clear that it wants to host the entire competition on home soil.

Speculations are rife that the tournament could move outside of Pakistan or another venue could be picked just for India's games as the bilateral relation between the two nations is at an all-time low. Last year, Pakistan had the hosting rights for the Asia Cup but the tournament was played in a hybrid model. As a result, India played all of their games in Sri Lanka including the final.

Recent reports state that a similar measure could be taken for the Champions Trophy as well. As per the reports, the UAE is seen as the likely neutral venue for the forthcoming event. However, the PCB is adamant about hosting the tournament in Pakistan and has already started preparations for the same.

PCB schedules India vs Pakistan game in Lahore:

The PCB has reportedly planned the high-voltage game between India and Pakistan in Lahore on March 1. Although the BCCI has not given the green light to PCB's draft schedule, the Pakistani board has gone ahead with the planning.

The Champions Trophy is likely to be played from February 19 to March 9, with March 10 designated as a Reserve Day for the final. PTI has reported that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who attended the T20 World Cup final in Barbados as an invitee, has submitted a schedule consisting of 15 matches. The PCB has allocated all of India's games to Lahore due to security and logistical reasons.

"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 the news agency.

"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 have been drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. On the other hand, Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan are in Group B. On the chances of India traveling to Pakistan, the source said: "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."

India have not visited Pakistan since 2008 and it won't be surprising if the team does not get the green light from the government to play in the Champions Trophy on Pakistani soil next year. India and Pakistan have also not played a bilateral series against each other since the 2012/13 season and only play against each other in the ICC competitions and Asia Cup.