PCB Gives Unique Proposal to BCCI for India to Participate in Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan – See Full Details

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As Pakistan prepares to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board is keen on having Team India participate, despite ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

According to a recent Cricbuzz report, the PCB has made a unique proposal to alleviate India's security concerns, suggesting that the Indian team can travel back to Delhi or Chandigarh after each match, avoiding extended stays in Pakistan.

In order to facilitate this arrangement, the PCB has scheduled all of India's group-stage matches in Lahore. The city was chosen keeping in mind its proximity to the Indian border, which would simplify logistical arrangements and ensure that Indian fans can attend the matches.

Champions Trophy 2025 Broadcasters Unhappy with PCB's Stadium Choice for India Matches

The same Cricbuzz report said that the tournament's broadcasters are not happy with PCB's location choice. The broadcasters reportedly requested the ICC to shift the venue of India's match against New Zealand to another venue due to potential safety concerns.

While the PCB has reportedly suggested Rawalpindi as an alternative, no formal decision has been made by either the ICC or the broadcasters on this matter. India's matches are currently scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20, Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2.

India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2008. Although India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently visited Pakistan for the SCO Summit, the issue of India's participation in the 2025 tournament remains unresolved.

While media reports suggested that the Men in Blue's matches could take place on a neutral ground like Dubai or Sri Lanka, the BCCI has consistently maintained that the final decision lies with the Indian government.

The PCB is optimistic about hosting the event, as this will be the first ICC tournament held in Pakistan in nearly three decades. In an interview on October 8, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi spoke optimistically about India's participation in the tournament.

"The Indian team should come," Naqvi said as per ESPNCricinfo. "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."