PCB Rejects Rumors of Champions Trophy Final Shift to Dubai

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed reports claiming that the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would be relocated to Dubai if India reaches the final. The reports, initially published by The Telegraph, suggested that political tensions between India and Pakistan could lead to the summit clash being moved out of Pakistan, with Dubai being the alternate venue.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, with eight teams competing in the tournament. Matches will be played across three venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is set to host seven matches, including the final, while Karachi’s National Stadium will hold the opening match and one of the semi-finals. Rawalpindi will stage five matches, including the other semi-final.

PCB Statement

In a firm response, the PCB clarified that it remains committed to hosting all matches of the Champions Trophy within Pakistan, including the final. A spokesperson for the board stated, “There is absolutely no truth to the reports suggesting that the Champions Trophy final could be moved outside Pakistan. We are working diligently to ensure that all preparations for the tournament are on track.”

The PCB is currently upgrading the infrastructure at these venues to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament, with preparations well underway. The board remains confident that Pakistan will be able to host the Champions Trophy successfully, including the highly anticipated final at Gaddafi Stadium on March 9.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, and India’s last tour of Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Political tensions between the two nations have made bilateral cricketing ties difficult. However, both teams continue to face each other in ICC events.

The upcoming Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s return as a host nation for a major ICC tournament after the successful staging of the 2023 Asia Cup, further boosting the nation’s credibility as a cricket host.

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