The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 entirely in Pakistan, with matches scheduled to begin on February 19 in Karachi and the final on March 9 in Lahore. However, there is significant concern that India may refuse to travel to Pakistan due to ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Former PCB Chairman Khalid Mahmood has expressed worries that India’s potential boycott could have a broader impact on the tournament. Mahmood warned that if India, the wealthiest and most influential cricket board, does not participate, other countries such as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh might follow suit. This could lead to a situation where the Champions Trophy becomes less profitable, with decreased revenues and increased expenses.
Mahmood, who also served as a Pakistan team manager, emphasized that the PCB should focus on lobbying and persuading other cricket boards rather than adopting a retaliatory stance. He noted that India’s dominance in the ICC makes it challenging for Pakistan to counteract the situation effectively.
Despite these concerns, media reports indicate that Pakistan remains firm on hosting all Champions Trophy matches within the country, maintaining its stance of “Pakistan’s event in Pakistan.”
India last visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup in July 2008. In the past 16 years, Pakistan has visited India once for a bilateral series in 2012–2013 and participated in the T20 World Cup 2016 and the ODI World Cup 2023.
