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| Ref Photo CT2025 |
During the recent ICC annual meeting in Colombo, the budget for the Champions Trophy was approved, but the schedule and format were not discussed. The tournament is set to be held in February and March next year.
Key Points:
· PCB has left the responsibility of convincing India to participate in the Champions Trophy to ICC.
· The budget for the tournament has been approved, but the schedule and format are yet to be finalized.
· PCB has suggested hosting all of India's matches, including the semi-final and final, in Lahore.
PCB’s Move:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to leave the task of convincing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send their team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC). It is believed that BCCI might refuse to send the Indian players to Pakistan due to security concerns, although no official statement has been made by the BCCI yet.
ICC Annual Meeting:
During the recent ICC annual meeting in Colombo, the budget for the Champions Trophy was approved, but discussions on the schedule and format were postponed. The tournament is scheduled for February and March next year.
PCB’s Proposals:
A source from PCB stated,
"PCB has done what is expected of them as the host of the Champions Trophy. They have submitted the draft schedule, format, and budget for the competition." The source added, "Now it is up to the ICC to finalize and circulate the schedule. PCB has suggested that all of India's matches, including the semi-final (if India qualifies) and the final, be held in Lahore."
ICC Meeting Attendance:
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, along with other BCCI officials, attended the ICC meeting. While no formal meeting took place between Naqvi and Shah, their interactions during the sessions were cordial.
Hosting in Lahore:
The BCCI has maintained that playing in Pakistan is a decision solely for the Indian government. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup hosted by PCB, India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. As per the PCB’s draft for the Champions Trophy, all of India’s matches, including the potential semi-final and final, are planned to be held in Lahore. The much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1.
Afghanistan’s Assurance:
Meanwhile, Afghanistan has confirmed their participation in the tournament. Afghanistan Cricket Board President Mirwais Ashraf and CEO Naseeb Khan, who attended the ICC annual board meeting in Colombo, met with Naqvi and assured him of their team’s participation. The PCB stated,
"They expressed their eagerness to send the Afghanistan team to Pakistan, marking their first participation in the Champions Trophy."
