PCB Proposes Lahore As Venue For Ind Vs Pak At Champions Trophy 2025
Gaddafi Stadium at Lahore (X.com)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen to nominate Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as the possible venue for team India's matches during the Champions Trophy 2025.
In the first draft schedule presented to the International Cricket Council (ICC), PCB has listed Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as the preferred venues for hosting the ICC event in February-March of the following year. The ICC will seek feedback from participating nations regarding these proposed venues.
Reportedly, PCB intends to hold all of India's matches, including the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, in Lahore. This proposal is set to be discussed at the upcoming ICC Board meeting scheduled for July, to be held in Sri Lanka.
As a security precaution, the PCB is looking to minimize India's travel. It has been disclosed that during the initial stage, all of India's matches will take place in Lahore.
ICC's pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, is currently in Pakistan conducting inspections of the pitches for the upcoming mega event.
Atkinson's itinerary includes visits to three venues, starting with Karachi, where he will assess the playing facilities. Following Karachi, he will proceed to Lahore and Rawalpindi for further inspections.
The Champions Trophy scheduled for next year will mark the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup.
However, despite potential approval from the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to reject the proposal for the Champions Trophy 2025 due to political tensions between the two nations.
Confirmed teams for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy include Pakistan (hosts), South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh. The participation of India is still a subject to approval by the Government of India.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
