The ICC Champions Trophy is set to return next year, taking place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Pakistan, the defending champions, hosted the tournament last in 2017. Although the ICC had canceled future editions after 2017 to streamline major tournaments to one per format, they reversed this decision in 2021, announcing the tournament’s return in 2025.
With Pakistan as the host, there are significant uncertainties regarding India’s participation due to political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. To address potential issues, the ICC has reportedly allocated a budget of around $65 million during its recent AGM in Colombo to cover the costs of hosting matches outside Pakistan if necessary.
According to Cricbuzz, the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) approval notes indicate that the PCB has signed the Host Agreement and worked with management to draft an event budget, which has been submitted to the F&CA for approval. The management has also estimated the increased costs of staging the event if some matches need to be held outside Pakistan.
A planning meeting and venue inspection took place in Pakistan in March 2024, with significant renovation work underway at all three venues to upgrade facilities. The draft schedule has been prepared, placing India’s matches in Lahore, including a face-off against hosts Pakistan. India is set to be in Group A, along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. According to the draft schedule, India will play Pakistan on March 1, Bangladesh on February 20, and New Zealand on February 23.
