PCB issues statement on reports of India vs Pakistan T20I series at neutral venue after Champions Trophy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday (22nd July) quashed off the reports of the T20I series between India vs Pakistan. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the governing body has not put forward any suggestions for the bilateral series between the teams.

India and Pakistan have been in the news of late. This is because there have been a lot of speculations about Men in Blue traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will be played in February-March next year and so far there hasn't been any clarity.

Amid all the fuss between India and Pakistan related to the venue of the Champions Trophy 2025, there were reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board has put forward a suggestion. It was reported that the governing body is keen to host a three-match T20I series against arch-rivals at the neutral venue.

India and Pakistan since 2012-13 haven't played against each other in the bilateral series due to political tensions. They only play each other in the ICC events and the Asia Cups. The reports of PCB putting a step forward for the series between the two nations, excited many.

However, all reports of the India vs Pakistan T20I series at the neutral venue hogging the headlines, a source close to Pakistan Cricket Board has rubbished off all the rumors. He revealed that the board hasn't put forward any suggestions like this.

He also stressed that their prime focus is currently on staging the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He stressed that they have a lot of other things to do as they also have a packed international schedule and they haven't put forward any request. Speaking to PTI, he explained:

"There is no such proposal on in table or under consideration because right now the biggest: challenge for us is to organise the Champions Trophy in a befitting manner and we also have a packed international schedule. "That is our main agenda right now. So, there is no question of contemplating any bilateral venture with India."

India hasn't traveled to Pakistan since 2008. On the other hand, Men in Green visited India for the bilateral series in 2012–2013 and then for the T20 World Cup 2016 and most latest the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. It remains to be seen if they will be traveling to Pakistan or not for the tournament.

India to play all their Champions Trophy 2025 games in Lahore - Reports

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be played from February 19 to March 9, 2025. As per the reports, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore have been decided as three venues by the Pakistan Cricket Board for the Champions Trophy.

The reports claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board has kept all the India games in Lahore. This is to ignore the traveling risk and logistics for the team. There hasn't been any official word put forward by both the nations but there are high chances that they might travel to Pakistan.