Officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have made it clear time and time again that their ability to compete in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan is contingent only upon approval from the federal government. India’s decision to withdraw from the event has not yet been communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC), and for the same reason, Pakistan has been granted permission by the highest council to get ready for India matches in Lahore, which is located extremely near to the border.
Interestingly, India last played a bilateral series against Pakistan in 2013, having not played a game in that country since the 2008 Mumbai bombings. There is uncertainty about whether the Rohit Sharma-led team would compete in the Champions Trophy as the Indian administration has also stated that it has no plans to play bilateral matches against Pakistan.
The governing body is keeping UAE prepared in case BCCI approaches them about a venue change, even though ICC hasn’t received any notification of anything as of yet.
Although nothing has been officially announced as of yet, the matches may take place in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Should it come to pass, Dubai might host the mega-fight between India and Pakistan, which was initially slated to take place in Lahore on March 1.
The location of the final will also shift if the Men in Blue advance. The Telegraph reports that the ICC is leaving all possibilities open and preparing Dubai as a potential final host. In such scenario, though, the precise location of the championship match would remain unknown until March 6, three days prior to the event. It is rare, to say the least, that both Dubai and Lahore would be prepared for such an event.
Regarding India’s presence in Pakistan for the major competition, PCB is upbeat in the meantime. Though they haven’t addressed the issue recently, BCCI officials could alter the situation during the next four months.
Also Read: PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi remains positive on Team India’s arrival in Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025
Notably, Pakistan is hosting a big cricket event for the first time since 1996, and every effort is being made to ensure a successful hosting arrangement. But a lot of it depends on India and how much or little people travel.
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