Reports: Champions Trophy 2025 final venue could be switched to Dubai if India qualify, BCCI remain shut on participation

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials have clarified multiple times that their participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan solely depends on permission from the central government. As things stand, the International Cricket Council (ICC) hasn’t been notified about India’s non-participation in the tournament and for the same reason, the apex council has already given the green light to Pakistan to prepare for India matches in Lahore, which is very close to the border.

Notably, India have not played any game in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai blasts and played the last bilateral series against them in 2013. The government of India too has no intention to play bilateral matches against Pakistan, which raises doubts if the Rohit Sharma-led side will participate in the Champions Trophy. 

Even though ICC hasn’t been notified of anything so far, the governing body is keeping UAE ready in case BCCI approach them for a venue change. The matches could be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but nothing has been made official so far. In case it happens, Dubai can host the mega-clash between India versus Pakistan, which is originally scheduled to take place on March 1 in Lahore.

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If the Men in Blue qualify for the final, the venue for the same will also change. As per The Telegraph, ICC keeping all options open and is keeping Dubai ready as a possible venue for the final. However, in that case, the exact venue of the final would not be known until March 6, three days before the final. In such a case, both Dubai and Lahore would be kept ready, which is rare, to say the least.

Meanwhile, PCB is optimistic about India’s arrival in Pakistan for the mega tournament. The BCCI officials haven’t commented on the matter in recent times but the scenario can change in the next four months. Notably, this will be the first time when Pakistan will be hosting a major cricketing event since 1996 and the board is leaving no stone unturned to host it successfully. However, a lot of it depends on India and whether they travel at all.