ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has issued visas to all Indian journalists, allowing them to cover the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19 (tomorrow) under a unique hybrid format.
While matches involving India and one of the semi-finals will be played in Dubai, the remaining fixtures will see action in Pakistan’s bustling cities of Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
The decision to adopt a hybrid model arose after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed safety concerns, opting not to send the Rohit Sharma-led team across the border.
In response, the BCCI approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), leading to an agreement between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan (PCB) to host matches between the two nations at neutral venues during the 2024-2027 rights cycle.
Despite the backdrop of security apprehensions in Pakistan, these seven Indian journalists are set to make the journey to provide first-hand coverage of this marquee event.
Among them are notable figures from Sports journalists, including senior journalists Vikrant Gupta and Nikhil Naz, who will deliver live updates straight from the heart of the action.
Indian journalists who are heading to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, include Vikrant Gupta, Nikhil Naz, Bikram Pratap Singh, Sunandan Lele, Kaustubh Somnath Pile, Shayan Acharya and Som Patidar.
The Champions Trophy 2025 opener clash will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
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The venue for the title decider also depends on India’s performance in the mega event. If India manages to qualify for the final, it will take place in Dubai otherwise Pakistan will host the summit clash.
ICC Champions Trophy schedule
February 19, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi
February 20, Bangladesh v India, Dubai, UAE
February 21, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi
February 22, Australia v England, Lahore
February 23, Pakistan v India, Dubai
February 24, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26, Afghanistan v England, Lahore
February 27, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore
March 1, South Africa v England, Karachi
March 2, New Zealand v India, Dubai, UAE
March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE
March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve day
