NEW DELHI: The
Pakistan Cricket Board
(PCB) has put forward a proposal for the
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
to commence on February 19 and be hosted entirely in Pakistan. The PCB has firmly rejected the idea of a
hybrid model
for India's matches, similar to the arrangement made for the Asia Cup 2023.
According to the PCB's proposed schedule, the ICC
Champions Trophy
2025 will span from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with all matches taking place in three major Pakistani cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and
Lahore
.
Sources within the PCB have revealed that
International Cricket Council
(ICC) officials, who recently visited
Pakistan
to assess the preparations for the tournament, have expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements in place.
Notably, the PCB has taken a strong stance against the idea of a hybrid model, particularly for India's matches, insisting that all games should be played on Pakistani soil.
This stance is likely to elicit a focused response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (
BCCI
), which had previously suggested a hybrid model where India's matches would be played at neutral venues outside of Pakistan, similar to the arrangement made during the Asia Cup 2023, when India's matches were relocated to Sri Lanka.
However, Pakistan remains firm in its position, desiring all matches, including those involving India, to be played within its borders.
“We have not opted for the hybrid model. However, we have given this leverage that India’s matches can be played in Lahore only. This way, the team will not be required to move around cities within Pakistan and its security can be well maintained in Lahore”, said a source in the PCB.
“India can be based in Lahore for the entire tournament. This would minimise logistical and security complications associated with their travel between cities”, the source added.
The Indian team might find it more convenient and less challenging to participate in matches, as the special arrangement would allow them to play in a single city. This could potentially simplify their travel and logistical requirements throughout the tournament.
“The proximity of Lahore to
Wagah Border
crossing is also going to be more suitable for the Indian fans. However, the question remains, if India would accept and participate in the event”, the PCB source said.
According to the PCB's suggested itinerary for the Champions Trophy, Karachi will host a minimum of three matches, including the tournament opener and a semifinal.
Lahore is set to stage at least seven matches, with the final being one of them. Rawalpindi will be the venue for no fewer than five matches, which includes a semifinal.
It is worth noting that the Indian cricket team has not set foot in Pakistan since their participation in the 2008 Asia Cup. The decision regarding India's travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be made by the Indian government, which has been opposed to the cricket team crossing the border due to Pakistan's alleged involvement in supporting terrorism within India's borders.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will mark the first time Pakistan has been the sole host of a major international cricket event. In the past, Pakistan shared hosting duties with India and Sri Lanka for the 1996 Cricket World Cup, and prior to that, co-hosted the Reliance Cup alongside India in 1987.
(With IANS inputs)
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