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After reports surrounding ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final being moved out of Lahore if India qualifies surfaced, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally broken silence on the matter. With the tournament returning in 2025 after last being played in 2017 in England, on Tuesday, October 8, reports quoting The Telegraph revealed that the final could be hosted in either Dubai or Lahore, depending upon Team India’s qualification.
However, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB finally broke silence on the matter, rejecting the claims. Pakistan-based DunyaNews reported that the PCB promptly addressed the claims, quashing the rumours of the playoffs being moved to the UAE, if India qualifies.
PCB quashes rumours of Champions Trophy final moving out of Pakistan
Hours after the news spread like wildfire, PCB was quick to react as they rejected the update. “Despite the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the PCB remains steadfast in its stance to ensure a successful and uninterrupted tournament,” PCB said. "There is absolutely no truth to the reports suggesting that the Champions Trophy final could be moved outside Pakistan," said a PCB spokesperson. "We are working diligently to ensure that all preparations for the tournament are on track, and we are confident that Pakistan will be able to host a memorable event," he continued.
It is to be seen that at the time of writing, there has been no official statement from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the change in venues after the PCB proposed the tentative schedule for the tournament. Moreover, the Men in Blue's participation also hangs in doubt as they haven’t travelled to Pakistan since July 2008, due to the political tensions between the countries. The two nations last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 and have faced only in ICC tournaments.
