India vs Pakistan: Arch-Rivals Could Lock Horns Three Times in Next Year's Champions Trophy?

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India vs Pakistan match in any tournament garners a lot of attention, leading to packed crowds at the venues. And as per recent reports, there may be plans to try and make the arch-rivals meet more than once in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Champions Trophy is a eight-team tournament that sees the teams meet each other in round robin format with the top four progressing to the knockouts, usually the semifinals and then the final.

In the leaked draft schedule submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ICC also that traditional tournament format was retained with semi-final and final as the three knock out matches. However, reports suggest the Champions Trophy may follow the Asia Cup format.

According a report in PTI, Champions Trophy could follow the Asia Cup format in which the group stage was followed by a Super 4 stage, in which the top two teams from each group clashed to book a spot a spot in the final.

The two best teams from the Super 4s will meet in the final. This will mean India and Pakistan could potentially meet thrice if both teams progress as they are already expected to be in the same group in first round. They could then meet in the Super 4 and also the final depending on their results.

As per previous reports, despite uncertainity over India's participation in the tournament expected to be hosted by Pakistan, they will be in the same group as their arch-rivals.

The reports indicated that India and Pakistan will be in Group A along with New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B will consist of England, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan.

It is very unlikely that ICC will move away from their original format, but a prospect of India vs Pakistan clash bringing in more viewership and the financial boost could tempt them to follow the Asia Cup format.

But before that ICC will need to finalize if the Champions Trophy will be held entirely in Pakistan or in hybrid mode after BCCI's reluctance to send the Indian team to their neighbouring country, citing security concerns.