The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to take a final call on the venue for the Champions Trophy 2025 amid ongoing uncertainties. Although the hosting rights were awarded to Pakistan three years ago, the venue’s confirmation is under scrutiny due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, citing political tensions.
ICC meeting to address venue issue
An upcoming ICC meeting, expected to be held virtually, may provide clarity on the situation. The meeting aims to discuss and finalize a practical plan, including the possibility of relocating or adopting a hybrid hosting model, which has been a contentious point between the BCCI and the PCB.
Tentative Champions Trophy schedule
Despite uncertainties, a preliminary schedule has been proposed, with Pakistan as the host country:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19 February 2025 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi |
| 20 February 2025 | Bangladesh vs India | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 23 February 2025 | India vs New Zealand | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 24 February 2025 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 27 February 2025 | New Zealand vs Bangladesh | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 1 March 2025 | Pakistan vs India | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 21 February 2025 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi |
| 22 February 2025 | Australia vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 25 February 2025 | South Africa vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 26 February 2025 | Australia vs Afghanistan | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 28 February 2025 | South Africa vs Australia | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2 March 2025 | England vs Afghanistan | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 5 March 2025 | Semi-final 1 | National Stadium, Karachi |
| 6 March 2025 | Semi-final 2 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 9 March 2025 | Final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Venues and capacities
The proposed venues and their capacities in Pakistan are as follows:
| City | Matches | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 3 | National Stadium | 34,238 |
| Lahore | 7 | Gaddafi Stadium | 27,000 |
| Rawalpindi | 5 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 15,000 |
Implications of India’s stance
India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy has added complexity to the decision-making process. The BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, but the PCB has opposed this. The ICC is expected to mediate and decide on the best possible solution to ensure the tournament proceeds as scheduled.
A final decision is anticipated soon, but the ongoing geopolitical tensions could lead to a change in the tournament’s structure or venue.