Win Projections to be updated soon
As excitement builds for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, questions arise about the final’s venue. Scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, the tournament will take place in Pakistan, with Lahore set to host the final on March 9. However, if India qualifies, there is a possibility that the final could be moved to Dubai, creating uncertainty just days before the match.
Current Venues for Champions Trophy 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed venues for all 15 matches. There are no discussions about changing any part of the tournament. The ICC plans to stick to the confirmed schedule. However, India has not played in Pakistan since 2008.
India’s participation in the tournament has been a topic of concern due to ongoing political tensions. Currently, it seems unlikely that the Indian government will lift the ban on touring Pakistan. This situation raises questions about where India will play, especially if they reach the knockout stages.
Potential Venue Changes if India Qualify for Champions Trophy Final
The final is slated for Lahore, but sources indicate that alternative options should India reach that stage are being informally considered. As reported by The Telegraph, Dubai appears to be the most likely alternative venue. This scenario could lead to an extraordinary situation where the final venue remains unknown until just three days before the match—March 6—depending on India’s qualification.
If India does qualify for the semi-finals, those matches would also need to be staged outside Pakistan. In addition to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah could also host games at short notice if necessary.
Will India Travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy?
There is precedent for Pakistan staging tournaments while India does not play in the country. Last year’s Asia Cup was initially planned to be held entirely in Pakistan but was shared with Sri Lanka due to similar concerns. Under that model, all of India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka, including their clash against Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that they are guided by the Indian government regarding touring Pakistan. Since 2012-13, India has not played a bilateral series against Pakistan but continues to meet them in global events.
Where are India’s Games Initially Planned?
There is a history of Pakistan hosting tournaments while India does not play there. Last year, the Asia Cup was set to be held entirely in Pakistan, but the tournament was shared with Sri Lanka. In that model, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, including its game against Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) says it follows the Indian government’s guidelines regarding touring Pakistan. Since 2012-13, India has not played a series against Pakistan but has met them in global events.
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