Related Articles
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has thrown down the gauntlet, submitting a draft schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy that features a mouthwatering India-Pakistan clash in Lahore on March 1st.
This bold move comes despite the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) withholding its approval, highlighting the ongoing political complexities surrounding cross-border cricket.
The 15-match tournament, scheduled to kick off on February 19th and culminate on March 9th with a reserve day on March 10th, aims to showcase Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure. Lahore is slated to host seven games, including the final, while Karachi and Rawalpindi will stage three and five matches respectively.
Intriguingly, the draft schedule places India in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. This sets the stage for a potential high-octane encounter on Pakistani soil, subject to India’s qualification for the semi-final, which would also be held in Lahore.
While all other participating nations have reportedly expressed support for the schedule, the BCCI’s stance remains a question mark. The board will need to consult the Indian government regarding security clearances before giving its green light.
This development comes after the 2023 Asia Cup, where political tensions forced India to play all their matches in Sri Lanka. Will the PCB’s gamble on Lahore pay off, or will the BCCI’s decision cast a shadow over the tournament? Only time will tell if the cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan can transcend political hurdles and light up the Champions Trophy in Lahore.
