Not once!! India vs Pakistan match to happen thrice in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as schedule on the brink of finalisation

Pakistan will host the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March next year. However, it's still uncertain whether India will travel to Pakistan to participate in the tournament next year.

Recently, reports have claimed that the BCCI is hesitant to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan. The BCCI officials have been citing the issue of getting clearance from the Indian Government as the major hurdle in sending Team India to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

PCB tight-lipped on India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

It is being said that the BCCI is suggesting a hybrid model similar to the one used for last year's Asia Cup for the upcoming mega, with India’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches being held at neutral venues.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained silent amid ongoing speculation about India's position in the Champions Trophy 2025. Even PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has instructed his office and colleagues to avoid making any comments regarding India's decision.

A PCB source was quoted as saying by PTI: “That is why in recent days there have been no comments or statements coming from either Naqvi or any other board official on what will happen if India doesn't send its team to Pakistan.”

India and Pakistan could clash three times in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Meanwhile, the fans are set for a thrilling experience with the strong possibility of India and Pakistan facing each other three times during the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Reports suggest that similar to previous tournaments, the two rivals are likely to be placed in the same group.

This setup would see India-Pakistan clash in the group stage and potentially again in the Super Fours. If both teams advance, they could meet for a third time in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will feature eight teams, with India and Pakistan both in Group A.

It is being said that Group A will include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B will feature Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four, and from there, the top two teams will progress to the finals.

The teams were selected based on their positions from the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and Pakistan secured its place automatically as the host nation.

ICC allocates $70 Million for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan: Reports

Meanwhile, according to PTI, the ICC has allocated around USD 70 million for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, and only USD 4.5 million is designated for additional expenses for the mega event.

Notably, the last bilateral series between India and Pakistan took place during the 2012-2013 season, and since then, they have met only in the ICC events and Asia Cup. They most recently played against each other in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan visited India for the ODI World Cup 2023 last year despite BCCI not sending the team for the Asia Cup 2023 and played their matches in Sri Lanka, and recent reports indicate that they want similar arrangements for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.