PCB submits Champions Trophy draft schedule with India vs Pakistan game scheduled for March 1

The PCB’s (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, was recently invited to the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. It was there that he submitted the 15-match schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. As per a recent report, the tournament is slated to begin on February 19 and end on March 9, with March 10 being held as a reserve day. 

While the PCB chairman has handed out the schedule for the tournament, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has yet to give its consent to the tentative schedule. The matches have been divided between three venues: seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi. The final will take place in Lahore.

As per the draft schedule, all of India’s matches will take place in Lahore, including the semi-final, on the condition that the Men in Blue qualify. The India vs Pakistan game is said to be scheduled for March 1.

“The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi,” an ICC board member was quoted as saying by News18. 

“The opening match will be held in Karachi with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinal if the team qualifies) in Lahore,” the source added.

Furthermore, India’s grouping was also revealed in the draft. The Men in Blue are in Group A along with Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand while the likes of Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan form Group B.

Chris Tetley, the ICC head of events, met up with Naqvi in Islamabad, where the ICC had inspected the venues and arrangements made for the tournament. It is also worth noting that the last time that Pakistan hosted a tournament was the Asia Cup 2023, but they had to adopt a hybrid model with India playing every game of the tournament in Sri Lanka after the government denied the permits to travel across the border.

“All board chiefs of the ICC Champions Trophy participating countries (minus BCCI) have assured him of their complete support but BCCI will consult its government and update the ICC,” the source added.