The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly dismissed a report from a British newspaper that suggested the 2025 Champions Trophy final could be moved from Lahore to Dubai if India qualifies for the final. The PCB clarified that all matches of the Champions Trophy, including the final, will take place in Pakistan and there are no plans to shift the final to any other country.
The British newspaper The Telegraph had reported that if India reaches the final, the match could be moved to Dubai due to the Indian government’s restrictions on traveling to Pakistan. According to the report, the final’s location could be decided at the last minute, creating uncertainty for teams, officials, media, and fans.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, and the ICC plans to hold all the matches in Pakistan. India has not played any international matches in Pakistan since 2008, and the Indian government has yet to make a decision regarding sending their team to Pakistan for the tournament.
If India reaches the semi-finals, that match could also be moved to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with short notice arrangements in place. A similar situation occurred during last year’s Asia Cup, where India’s matches, including those against Pakistan, were played in Sri Lanka instead of Pakistan.
The BCCI has stated that it will follow the Indian government’s directives regarding the team’s travel to Pakistan. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, but they have continued to face each other in global events.
Also read:PCB Chairman is confident of India coming to Pakistan.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed hope that the Indian team will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and he remains confident that all matches will take place within Pakistan. He also mentioned that stadium upgrades are currently underway to ensure a successful tournament.
This will be the first major international tournament held in Pakistan since 1996, marking a significant opportunity for Pakistani cricket.
