ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed holding the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on March 1 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
According to media reports quoting an ICC official, the PCB has finalized the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, comprising 15 matches across three major Pakistani cities. Lahore will host seven matches, including the match between traditional rivals Pakistan and India, as well as the tournament final. Karachi will host three matches at the National Stadium, including the opening game and a semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches.
The ICC Board member stated, “The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi.”
In the proposed structure, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand are grouped together in Group A, while Group B consists of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
The confirmation of the Pakistan vs India match at Gaddafi Stadium marks a significant moment for cricket fans, given the historic rivalry between the two nations. The last encounter between Pakistan and India on Pakistani soil was in 2008 during the Asia Cup, with subsequent bilateral series being hosted in neutral venues or in India.
In recent years, cricketing relations between Pakistan and India have been strained, with India declining to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year, leading to a hybrid tournament format with Sri Lanka as co-hosts. Pakistan hosted four matches under this arrangement, while the remainder of the matches, including the final, were held in Sri Lanka. Subsequently, Pakistan participated in the 50-over World Cup held in India.
