Reports suggest that Lahore is set to host the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash, marking the climax of the tournament.
The draft schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), outlines the tournament’s duration from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been designated as venues for the 20-day competition.
Lahore is poised to host seven matches, including all India games, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, and Karachi will host three. The tournament’s opening match is scheduled to take place in Karachi on February 19, with one semifinal in Rawalpindi and the other in Karachi. The final is slated for March 9 in Lahore.
However, the India-Pakistan match in Lahore is subject to approval from the Government of India. In the event that permission is not granted, the tournament may adopt a hybrid model, similar to the one used for the 2024 Asia Cup, with the UAE hosting the India games. Despite this uncertainty, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been advised to proceed with preparations.
The scheduling and venues are currently in the proposal stage, pending final approval from the ICC and adherence to geopolitical considerations. The PCB is moving forward with its plans, awaiting the final decision from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Government of India.
