PCB Has Submitted The First Draft of Champions Trophy Schedule To ICC

Pakistan’s cricket governing body has submitted their initial draft of schedule matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to host the next major ICC tournament. Fans expect the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to provide an electrifying spectacle from top cricket teams worldwide. The PCB hopes to host this tournament entirely on home soil; however, the draft may see some significant changes before next year.

What Does the PCB Have to Say About their Initial ICC Champions Trophy Schedule?

PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed the importance of settling scheduling for the tournament well ahead of time:

“This [early schedule draft] ensures that both the men’s cricket team managements and the PCB event staff have sufficient time to prepare, plan and deliver these series to our very high expectations and standards, showcasing Pakistan as an outstanding cricket nation and the PCB as a thoroughly professional organisation,” he added.

The PCB chair also expressed his appreciation to participating teams ahead of the tournament:

“The visits by five top cricket playing nations in the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, followed by seven countries participating in the event proper over the next eight months, also highlight Pakistan’s standing and stature in international cricket. We deeply value the participation of these teams and players,” Mr. Naqvi concluded.

What Did the ICC Say About Pakistan’s First ICC Champions Trophy Draft?

An International Cricket Council (ICC) board member shared these comments after reports of Pakistan’s draft:

“The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi, …the opening match will be held in Karachi with two semi-finals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, final in Lahore. All India matches in Lahore,”

Did the PCB Consult the BCCI Before Submitting the ICC Champions Trophy Schedule?

Emerging reports suggest that the PCB did not contact India’s cricket body before submitting this schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will likely reject this schedule and opt for a ‘hybrid model’. India’s cricket governing body could demand to play all their home matches at a neutral location.

When is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Starting?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is slated to hold between February 19, 2025 and March 9, 2025.

How Many Teams are Scheduled to Take Part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Eight (8) teams are on schedule to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Teams will lock horns for a chance to become the newest ICC Champions Trophy holders next year.

BCCI Confirms Rohit Sharma to Take Part in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that T20 World Cup winning captain Rohit Sharma will be at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025:

“After the T20 World Cup win, the next target is to win the WTC final and the Champions Trophy. I have full confidence that under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, we will be champions in both the tournaments,” Mr. Shah said.

Will India Be at the Next WTC Final?

India looks set to hold down a place at the next WTC final. India sits atop the current standings and continues to deliver some exciting results so far. The Men in Blue will aim to crown their recent T20 WC 2024 title with another ICC honour.

India’s performances at three successive Tests – v Bangladesh, Australia, and New Zealand – will determine if they get to the third successive WTC Final.

India has taken part in every WTC Final since 2021 but have failed to secure a title from those encounters. Defeats by narrow margins to New Zealand (in 2021) and Australia (in 2023) hampered their title aspirations in the event. However, Team India will aim to make an impression this time around at the next WTC Final against any opposing team.

Proposed ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule