Champions Trophy 2025 could be held completely outside Pakistan at a neutral venue: Reports

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Until yesterday there were reports that the Champions Trophy 2025 final could be staged outside Pakistan because of India's reluctance to travel to the neighbouring nation, but as per the latest developments the entire ICC showpiece can be taken away from Pakistan and held at a neutral venue.

"Despite the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the PCB remains steadfast in its stance to ensure a successful and uninterrupted tournament. There is absolutely no truth to the reports suggesting that the Champions Trophy final could be moved outside Pakistan," a PCB spokesperson was quoted as saying by DunyaNews.

However, as per a fresh report by Sports Tak, the whole of Champions Trophy 2025 can be hosted at a neutral venue. The report added that the ICC has also prepared three budgets as it continues to explore different options.

The update is also in complete contrast to the recent comments from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He said that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was sure of hosting India along with the players from other countries participating in the eight-team event.

"The Indian team should come. I don't see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan," he said in Lahore.

"The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament. In a way, you can say that we are going to have a brand new stadium," Naqvi added.

Notably, India have not played any match in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. The BCCI also did not send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns in the Asia Cup 2023. PCB was forced to agree to a hybrid model which saw only four matches being played in Pakistan.

The BCCI officials have made it clear that the decision to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be taken by the Government of India. The tournament is scheduled to start from February 19, with the final set on March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the three venues.