The ICC delegation is slated to reach Lahore from Rawalpindi to undergo checks at the Gaddafi Stadium and Nishtar Park Sports Complex. After being pleased with their inspection in Rawalpindi, the ICC delegates are to reach Lahore on 20th September. As per the proposed schedule, India is to play all their group stage matches of the ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore.
Whether India travels to Pakistan or not remains a major doubt. But irrespective of that the ICC delegations would visit the Gaddafi Stadium on 21st September to begin their inspections.
As per the schedule, the delegates would be briefed security of the stadium, followed by the upgradations that are currently taking place.
India to travel to Pakistan?
As things stand, India is adamant in not traveling to Pakistan. But as per the Provisional schedule that has been proposed, Lahore is the venue that has been allotted to the Men in Blue. India are to play all their three group stage matches at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The BCCI has remained firm that the directions of India’s travel to Pakistan largely relies on the permission given by the Central government. And given the geo-political crisis that the two neighbours share, it looks highly unlikely of India visiting Pakistan.
On the other hand, a hybrid plan is likely to be made to include India’s participation in the tournament. India would essentially travel to a neutral venue to play their matches while the remainder of the matches would take place in Pakistan.