The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has once again become a hot topic in the cricket world. Once again, India’s participation in the tournament is proving to be a big challenge for the host board, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to PTI reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is known to be mentally prepared for India’s refusal to travel to the country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, president Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that they will not change the venue of the final, which will take place in Lahore.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is also prepared for India to play all its matches in Dubai. Recently, there were reports in Sports Tak stating that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be played in a hybrid model, with Men in Blue playing out of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is firm in its stance for the final. They have made the statement that even if India reaches the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they want the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the summit clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
PCB wants ICC to hold ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Lahore
A source close to PCB said: “PCB’s first option and priority is to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan and they are counting on this, but internally the Board is also mentally prepared to hear that the Indian government is not allowing its team to play in Los Pakistan and India matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates.”
“But the PCB has decided that even if India does not play in Pakistan, they want the final to be held in Lahore. Even if India qualifies for the final, the PCB wants the ICC to hold the match at the stadium. Gaddafi of Lahore”.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board members will meet in Dubai from October 18 to 21. Reports claim that the Pakistan Cricket Board will take its stand on the matter. The BCCI may also request the ICC to hold the tournament in a hybrid model and shift its matches to Sri Lanka or Dubai.
PCB to present details of renovation costs for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 stadiums
A source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also revealed that the governing body will present details of the costs of stadium renovations. He stated:
“They will present the details, including the highest budget of around €7 billion for the renovation works at the Lahore stadium.”
Reports of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being moved out of Pakistan have been bothering President Mohsin Naqvi
He also mentioned that reports about moving the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 out of Pakistan have been bothering President Mohsin Naqvi. But he stated that they will work on it as the president wants to host the entire tournament in Pakistan. He added:
“All this talk that the ICC Champions Trophy could be completely moved to another venue has also irked the PCB and they will discuss this as Naqvi is convinced that Pakistan will host the event.”
PCB recently revealed the draft schedule and according to it, Pakistan has been placed in Group A along with India, Bangladesh and New Zealand. According to that, India’s matches will be played in Lahore.