The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed to start the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 and host it entirely in Pakistan. At the same time, the PCB has rejected the idea of ​​a hybrid model for matches in India similar to the arrangement made for Asia Cup 2023.

According to the PCB’s proposed schedule, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with all matches taking place in three major Pakistani cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore.

PCB sources have revealed that International Cricket Council (ICC) officials, who recently visited Pakistan to assess the preparations for the tournament, have expressed satisfaction over the arrangements. After that, the PCB has taken a strong stand against the idea of ​​a hybrid model especially for the India matches and insisted that all the games should be played on Pakistani soil.

This stance is likely to draw a response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It is worth noting that the BCCI had suggested a hybrid model where India’s matches would be played at neutral venues outside Pakistan, similar to the arrangement made during Asia.

PCB has made a special plan for Team India

However, Pakistan is adamant on its stand and wants all the matches including the one with India to be played within its borders which may not be possible but Pak is also not ready to bow down.

A PCB source said, “We have not opted for the hybrid model. However, we have proposed that India’s matches can be played only in Lahore. This way the team will not need to move around cities within Pakistan and its security can be well maintained in Lahore.”

The source further added, “The proximity of Lahore to Wagah Border will also make it more suitable for Indian fans.”

Now it will be interesting to see whether India will go to Pakistan for the tournament or it will cancel its tour.