Pakistan will confront India in a marquee matchup during the 2025 Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai. The ICC has announced the tournament schedule following security-related delays. India will play its group matches in Dubai, while Pakistan hosts several games at home, marking its first global event since 1996. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasizes the milestone nature of this tournament for Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to face its long-standing rival India in a highly anticipated group match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Dubai on February 23. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the tournament schedule after extended discussions, primarily due to India’s security concerns regarding travel to Pakistan, which delayed the announcement for over a month.
Pakistan is set to host a minimum of ten matches in major cities including Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. Meanwhile, India will play its three Group A matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Dubai. Should India qualify for the semifinals and the final, those matches will also occur in Dubai.
Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, expressed enthusiasm regarding the schedule, noting that it marks the tournament’s awaited return since 2017. He stated, “The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment.”
This edition of the tournament, co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, aims to highlight both the heritage and modernity of cricket, with Dubai being the headquarters of the ICC. Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa are scheduled to play all their Group B matches in Pakistan, while Pakistan itself will host its first global cricket event since the 1996 World Cup.
The ICC Board members deliberated extensively regarding India and Pakistan’s bilateral relations, resulting in a decision that Pakistan would not play in India during the 2024-2027 cycle. This response follows India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, necessitating neutral venues for future competitions. Consequently, Pakistan will participate at a neutral site for India’s hosting of the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed satisfaction with the mutually beneficial arrangement established among ICC members, highlighting the importance of equality and respect. He remarked, “Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.”
Naqvi emphasized that hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, showcasing the nation’s capacity as a premier event organizer. He remains committed to ensuring a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike. The tournament is set to commence in Karachi on February 19, featuring Pakistan competing against New Zealand.
The Cricket World is gearing up for the 2025 Champions Trophy, an important tournament taking place after an eight-year hiatus. With rising tensions and rivalries, particularly between India and Pakistan, the scheduling of these matches has become a focal point of discussion. The ICC’s decision to co-host the tournament between Pakistan and the UAE signifies a strategic approach to accommodate teams while navigating security concerns. Past experiences, such as Pakistan’s hosting of global events and India’s reluctance to travel, heavily influence the arrangements surrounding this major cricket competition. This Champions Trophy not only showcases cricket but also highlights the broader socio-political context that affects international sporting events.
In conclusion, the 2025 Champions Trophy is poised to captivate cricket fans with a highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India in Dubai. The event symbolizes a significant achievement for Pakistan as it returns to hosting a global cricket tournament. Despite the complexities of bilateral relations and security issues, the ICC’s careful planning aims to promote a spirit of cooperation in international cricket. The tournament begins with Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19, marking a noteworthy event in the cricket calendar.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
