Pakistan Firm on Hosting Champions Trophy 2025 Despite Speculation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting a potential relocation of the Champions Trophy 2025 final to Dubai should the Indian cricket team advance to the climactic match. This denial comes amidst ongoing speculation about India’s participation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm the team’s attendance in Pakistan.

Pakistan and India have not partaken in a bilateral cricket series for more than a decade due to enduring political tensions, only facing off during international tournaments. Notwithstanding reports hinting at India playing its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the PCB maintains that all games, including the final, will be hosted in Pakistan.

“There is absolutely no truth to the reports suggesting that the Champions Trophy final could be moved outside Pakistan,” stated a PCB spokesperson. The board assured that preparations for the event are on track, reinforcing Pakistan’s readiness to host a historic tournament. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed optimism about successfully hosting the event with full participation, including India.

The tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with ongoing stadium improvements. Naqvi addressed the uncertainty surrounding India’s involvement, emphasizing that he anticipates their participation. “The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancelling or postponing coming here, and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi commented.

While the PCB remains hopeful, uncertainty looms as it has been reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has considered alternative plans. As per unnamed sources from Sports Tak, the ICC is preparing different budgets for various scenarios, including a hybrid model where Dubai would co-host India-centric matches or a complete relocation to venues like South Africa or Sri Lanka.

The potential relocation follows a precedent set during the Asia Cup 2023, when India played its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model due to the BCCI’s stance on not traveling to Pakistan. An official decision from the ICC is expected by November, with Jay Shah set to assume the role of ICC Chairman on December 1.