Delhi: The dates of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are coming closer, but it is not yet clear where the matches of the Indian team will be held. India has not yet agreed to play in Pakistan, due to which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has had to signal a change in its stance.
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Initially the PCB was adamant that all the Champions Trophy matches, including the one involving India, would be played in Pakistan only, as they had the responsibility of hosting. However, considering India’s stance, PCB now seems ready to change the match venue.
According to news agency PTI, PCB has kept the option of holding India’s matches in Sharjah or Dubai open. A source said, “PCB believes that if the Indian government does not allow playing in Pakistan, then the schedule can be changed and India’s matches can be held in Dubai or Sharjah.”
Also, PCB is putting pressure on ICC to release the schedule of the tournament by next week. According to sources, the PCB has already discussed a tentative schedule with the ICC and it is expected to be announced on November 11.
India’s matches played in Sri Lanka in Asia Cup
However, there has been no official confirmation on this hybrid model yet. Pakistan was also the host during the Asia Cup in 2023, but the Indian team did not tour Pakistan and at that time Team India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka.
FAQ
How many Champions Trophies does India have?
Australia and India has won the tournament twicewhereas South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Pakistan have won it once each.
What is the format of Champions Trophy 2025?
The tournament will be hosted by Pakistan in February and March 2025, with matches to be played at various venues, including a new “hi-tech” cricket stadium in Islamabad. Eight teams will be divided into two groups of four teams each. According to reports, it will be played in 50 over format.