Champions Trophy: PCB submits proposed schedule to ICC; Lahore to stage India's group matches including final

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted its first draft of the proposed schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (Nov 7). Pakistan, set to host the Champions Trophy has proposed several venues including Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The stadium has also been proposed to host India’s group-stage matches and the final of the Champions Trophy. The Champions Trophy is set to take place from Feb 19 to Mar 9 with India’s participation yet to be confirmed.

PCB proposes Lahore for India’s matches

According to WION’s Anas Mallick, PCB on Thursday submitted the draft schedule that includes staging all of India’s matches in Lahore. Situated in the Punjab province, Lahore is geographically the closest city to India with an international cricket stadium, providing flexibility to the Indian team to travel back to their homeland within a few minutes, in case Rohit Sharma’s men disagree on staying in Pakistan.

Lahore has also been proposed to host the final of the Champions Trophy further helping the Indian team to stay in proximity to their homeland in case they reach the final.

The Indian cricket team has not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup as diplomatic relations between the nations hit low after the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

The PCB is determined to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan thereby avoiding a hybrid model which was in use when Pakistan was the host of the 2023 Asia Cup. The model allowed India to play its matches in Sri Lanka while other nations played in Pakistan.

Other proposals on the table

The proposal further adds the curtain-raiser clash will be hosted in Karachi between hosts Pakistan and Australia. India will kick start their campaign against Bangladesh in Lahore on 20th February while playing New Zealand on 23rd February. The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place on March 1 in Lahore.

Considering India’s chances of reaching the final, the showpiece contest could take place on March 9 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. India’s clash against New Zealand could be moved to Rawalpindi if broadcasters request, added a PCB source while speaking to WION.

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