Following yesterday’s heartbreaking defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan might soon have a shot at redemption. Reports indicate that a highly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown is nearly confirmed for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore.
This match is slated to be the final league game of the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in Pakistan. According to the draft schedule submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Read more: PCB Chairman Confirms Pakistan to Host Champions Trophy Early Next Year
However, the game in Lahore hinges on approval from the Indian government. If the permission is denied, the tournament may adopt a hybrid model similar to the one used for the previous year’s Asia Cup, with the UAE potentially hosting India’s matches. Despite this uncertainty, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been instructed to continue preparations as planned.
The PCB has earmarked Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as the venues for the 20-day event. Lahore is set to host seven matches, including all games involving India. Rawalpindi will host five matches, and Karachi will host three. Karachi is also expected to host the tournament’s opening match on February 19, a Wednesday, and one of the semifinals, with the other semifinal taking place in Rawalpindi. The final is scheduled for March 9, a Sunday, in Lahore.
The current scheduling and venue assignments are in the proposal stage, awaiting final approval from the ICC and adherence to geopolitical considerations. Meanwhile, the PCB is moving ahead with its plans, keeping a close watch on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government’s ultimate decision.
