There has been ongoing discussion about the Champions Trophy 2025 being held in Pakistan and its impact on India’s participation. Due to political tensions, India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral series in over a decade, only meeting in international tournaments. While Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India has yet to confirm its plans for the Champions Trophy. Although Lahore is reportedly set to host the tournament final, a report from Telegraph.co.uk suggests that if India qualifies for the final, the match could be moved to Dubai.
The report also mentioned that if India chooses not to travel to Pakistan, they might play all their matches in the UAE. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently expressed confidence that the entire tournament will be held in Pakistan. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that all participating teams, including India, are expected to join.
Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the Champions Trophy will be hosted in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Naqvi confirmed that preparations are on track, with ongoing stadium upgrades. Speaking in Lahore, Naqvi addressed India’s uncertain participation but remained optimistic, saying, “The Indian team should come. I don’t foresee them canceling or delaying their visit, and we are confident all teams will participate in Pakistan.”
He also assured that the stadiums would be fully prepared in time, with further improvements planned after the tournament. “In a way, we will have a brand new stadium,” Naqvi added.
