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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, July 3 announced the first draft of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan in February-March 2025. However, the official dates haven’t been finalised yet, the PCB has proposed India versus Pakistan match for March 1.
A senior ICC Board member told PTI that the much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan is set to be played on March 1, however, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to give its approval. According to the tentative schedule, the Champions Trophy is set to be played between February 19 to March 9, with March 10 as a reserve day.
“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 said as quoted by Times of India. Furthermore, it is being reported that India will play all its matches in Lahore, seeing security and logistical considerations.
“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. “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 further added.
India are placed in Group A alongside their arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Group B features teams like Australia, South Africa, England and Afghanistan.
