Cricket fans across the globe can rejoice as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a draft schedule for the highly anticipated 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The 15-match tournament, slated to run from February 19th to March 9th, 2025 (with a reserve day on March 10th), features a potential blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan scheduled for March 1st in Lahore.
However, a key hurdle remains. While all other participating nations seem enthusiastic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to give its approval. Security concerns, a lingering issue from the 2023 Asia Cup, could play a role in the BCCI’s decision. Back then, India played their Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to travel restrictions imposed by the Indian government.
The PCB has proposed a balanced schedule with three host cities – Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Lahore is set to host the marquee final, with seven matches scheduled there, including all of India’s potential encounters, assuming they qualify for the knockout stages. Karachi and Rawalpindi will split the remaining eight matches, with each city hosting a semifinal.
The draft schedule also reveals the team groupings. India finds itself in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B features Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi submitted the draft schedule to the ICC following a meeting with Chris Tetley, the ICC’s Head of Events, who visited Islamabad to inspect the proposed venues and assess Pakistan’s preparations for the tournament.
This potential India-Pakistan clash has the power to electrify the cricketing world. However, the BCCI’s decision will be crucial in determining whether this dream matchup becomes a reality. Cricket fans around the globe will be eagerly awaiting their response.