The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is gearing up for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This ICC tournament is set to take place early next year, but Team India’s participation remains uncertain. The Indian team has not toured Pakistan since 2008, making it highly unlikely that they will travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, a major update has emerged regarding the final match of the tournament. The final might be held outside Pakistan.
Champions Trophy 2025 Final Venue May Change
Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained for quite some time, which is why the Indian team does not tour Pakistan. As a result, the two teams only face each other in ICC tournaments or the Asia Cup. According to a report by The Telegraph, the tournament might be played under a hybrid model. The final match is currently scheduled to be held in Lahore. However, if India qualifies for the final, there is a strong possibility that the match will be moved outside Pakistan, with Dubai being the most likely alternative.
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It is expected that India will play all its group-stage matches outside Pakistan, and if the team reaches the semifinals, the venue for those matches could also be changed. Currently, both semifinals are set to be played in Pakistan. The 2023 Asia Cup was also hosted by Pakistan, but India did not tour the country. Instead, the tournament followed a hybrid model, with India playing all its matches in Sri Lanka, including the final. A similar formula could be applied again for the Champions Trophy.
First ICC Event in Pakistan After 29 Years
The Champions Trophy is returning after an eight-year gap, and this tournament will be the first ICC event on Pakistani soil in 29 years. According to the draft schedule, India is set to play all its matches in Lahore. India’s first match is against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a game against New Zealand on February 23. The final group-stage match between India and host nation Pakistan is scheduled for March 1. However, if India does not travel to Pakistan, the venues for these matches could be changed.