Picture Credit: X
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice on Wednesday, September 11 confirmed that the upcoming Champions Trophy will be hosted in Pakistan. With doubts looming over the tournament being moved out of the country due to various security reasons, the ICC Chief Executive reinstated that Pakistan would serve as the official hosts of the tournament.
Speaking during a recent interaction, Geoff Allardice said that he made his statement clear regarding the tournament being hosted in the Asian country. On Wednesday, he once again clarified the ongoing doubts, adding that the tournament is being “awarded to Pakistan Cricket Board”.
Watch Geoff Allardice confirm Pakistan as hosts of Champions Trophy 2025:
Pakistan to host 2025 Champions Trophy in February-March
However, the official dates of the Champions Trophy 2025 haven’t been revealed, the tournament is set to mark its return after eight-year break. In the last edition, which was played in England, Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India by 180 runs in 2017. Speaking further of the tournament, which is set to be played in the months of February and March next year, India is reported to play all its matches in Lahore, whereas the much-anticipated India versus Pakistan clash is being scheduled for March 1, 2025.
ICC delegation to discuss tentative schedule of Champions trophy with PCB
Prior to the tournament, an ICC delegation is set to travel to Pakistan this month to ascertain the preparations for the marquee tournament, which is also the next ICC major after the conclusion of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Moreover, reports have added that the ICC will also discuss the tentative schedule with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
A source close to these developments informed that the PCB hasn’t been informed of ICC delegation’s visit yet, although, the PCB has already sent the first draft. “The schedule has now been seen by the participating boards in the Champions Trophy and there is still some work to be done before it is finalised and announced,” a source was quoted.
“Obviously a final decision on whether the Indian team would be permitted by its government to play in Pakistan is one major reason for the schedule still being under consideration,” the source further added.
