Following a heart-wrenching loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan may soon have a chance for redemption. Reports suggest that the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in Lahore is nearly confirmed for the Champions Trophy 2025.
According to draft schedules submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the India-Pakistan match will likely be the final league game of the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
However, the eagerly awaited match in Lahore depends on the approval of the Indian government. If the government denies approval, the tournament might adopt a hybrid model, similar to the previous Asia Cup, with the UAE potentially hosting India’s matches. Despite these uncertainties, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received advice to proceed with the necessary preparations.
The PCB has selected Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as venues for the 20-day tournament. Lahore is expected to host seven matches, including all of India’s games, while Rawalpindi will host five matches and Karachi three. The tournament will kick off with the opening match in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19. Karachi will host one semifinal, while Rawalpindi will host the other. The final is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, in Lahore.
Currently, the ICC is reviewing these scheduling and venue proposals, and they await final approval. The PCB is moving forward with its plans while waiting for the final decision from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Government of India.
