The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 preparations. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, travelled to Dubai and presented a report to the ICC regarding the ongoing renovations of the three stadiums (Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) for the multi-nation event.
ICC happy
According to Geo News, ICC is content with the preparations and feels the venues will be ready before the mega-event kicks off in February next year. Naqvi also urged the ICC to visit Pakistan and have a look at the preparations and arrangements being made for the tournament themselves.
All eyes on India
Now, the ball’s in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) court. Without the best cricket team in the world, India, the Champions Trophy 2025 can’t be a success. Richard Gould, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief, has already claimed that the ICC tournament can’t go ahead with India.
It’s been 16 years since the Indian cricket team visited the neighbours. The stance has been clear, and from the looks of it, it’ll remain the same for the Champions Trophy. PCB has tried to concoct news plans to ensure Team India travel, with reports suggesting the Men in Blue can to and fro from Lahore to Chandigarh or Delhi every day. There is doubt over this report being true, and BCCI has already denied they’ll think about it even if officially requested.
ICC Champions Trophy Proposed Schedule
- February 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Karachi
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India – Lahore
- February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs England – Lahore
- February 23: New Zealand vs India – Lahore
- February 24: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi
- February 25: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore
- February 26: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi
- February 27: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Lahore
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Rawalpindi
- March 1: Pakistan vs India – Lahore
- March 2: South Africa vs England – Rawalpindi
- March 5 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Karachi
- March 6 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Rawalpindi
- March 9 Final: TBC vs TBC – Lahore
