Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated his belief that India will visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

However, Mohsin Naqvi, in an interaction with the media in Lahore, expressed confidence that all the teams, including India, will visit Pakistan for the eight-team tournament.

“I have full confidence in the Indian team… So far, there is nothing that would cause them to postpone or cancel. Therefore, all teams will come.”

“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” he said.

He also shared his satisfaction with the ongoing upgradation of the stadiums, that will be hosting the Champions Trophy.

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“The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament. In a way, you can say that we are going to have a brand new stadium,” he added.

It’s worth noting that Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI), has recently shared that the cricket board is awaiting the government’s approval. As of now, no decision has been made regarding the tour of Pakistan.

“No decision has been taken (yet). However, our policy is that for international tours, we always seek permission from the government,” Shukla clarified.

“It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country,” the BCCI VP added. “In this case (also), whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that.”

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

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Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has broken his silence over the possibility of India’s cricket team touring Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The eight-team event is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

However, the Chief Executive of the ICC Geoff Allardice confirmed last month that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan, as scheduled, dismissing any speculation about the event being relocated to a different country.

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Rajeev Shukla, in a conversation with an Indian news channel, mentioned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently awaiting the government’s approval. As of now, no decision has been made regarding the tour of Pakistan.

“No decision has been taken (yet). However, our policy is that for international tours, we always seek permission from the government,” Shukla clarified.

“It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country,” the BCCI VP added. “In this case (also), whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that.”

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday to review the arrangements for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation reached Karachi last night and visited the National Stadium this morning, inspecting the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

After Karachi, the ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

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Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

However, Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review the arrangements for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The six-member delegation will reach Karachi tonight and will visit the National Stadium tomorrow to inspect the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

The six-member delegation includes event organizers and security representatives, who will also meet representatives of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.

The ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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Former cricketer-turned-analyst Aakash Chopra has recently raised doubts over the prospect of India visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Aakash Chopra, during an appearance in a podcast on Raj Shamani’s YouTube channel, opined that the chances of India visiting Pakistan are low considering the current political situation between the two countries.

“The chances [of India visiting Pakistan] are very slim, to be honest. While cricket is back in Pakistan and the Asia Cup was held there, the hybrid model worked before with matches in Sri Lanka,” Chopra said.

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“Although teams like England, New Zealand, and Australia are visiting Pakistan, I doubt India will go. The final decision is not just in the hands of the BCCI but also involves the government’s policy.”

Chopra suggested the hybrid model as a viable solution, like last year’s ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. India stuck to their stance of not visiting Pakistan, resulting in Sri Lanka stepping in as the co-host.

“We might end up playing our matches outside, in places like Dubai or Sri Lanka. It’s all about timing. Personally, I don’t think India will travel to Pakistan,” he said.

Aakash Chopra further asserted that the situation will be tricky if Pakistan and India both reach the final.

“The venue for the final will be decided in advance. If Pakistan makes it to the final, they would naturally prefer to host it in Pakistan. However, if Pakistan and India reach the final, hypothetically, India isn’t likely to travel,” he said.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

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The Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, has confirmed that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan, as scheduled, dismissing any speculation about the event being relocated to a different country.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitancy to participate in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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Notably, Pakistan is upgrading three stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi for the Champions Trophy.

The PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently shared that the renovations of the stadiums will be completed before the commencement of the Champions Trophy.

“The basement of Gaddafi Stadium will be constructed by September 30. Each floor will be completed in a three-week period. The front building would consist of a steel structure. The main building of Gaddafi Stadium will be completed by December 31,” said Naqvi.

“Pindi Stadium will have to be completely demolished and rebuilt, the seats will be installed in the stadium before the Champions Trophy.

“The renovation at Karachi’s [National Stadium] will also be completed before the Champions Trophy,” he concluded.

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England Test captain and dynamic all-rounder Ben Stokes hinted at the possibility of extending his return to One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year.

Stokes, who announced his retirement from ODI cricket during the home series against South Africa in 2022, undid his decision to represent England in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The defending champions did not fare well in the tournament, suffering an early exit and finishing seventh with six points in nine matches.

Ben Stokes, who was brought out of the ODI retirement by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), however, did well with the bat as he scored 304 runs in six appearances at a brilliant average of over 50. He also scored a century in the global event.

The all-rounder has not played an ODI since England’s last ICC World Cup 2023 fixture against Pakistan.

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Meanwhile, in his recent interview with The Telegraph, Ben Stokes admitted that it is tough to turn down an opportunity to big events such as the Champions Trophy but asserted that he would be “happy either way”.

“It’s hard to turn down those sort of big events, isn’t it? If I didn’t play another white-ball game, I’ll be very content with how many games I’ve played and what I’ve been able to achieve,” said Stokes.

“I don’t know what the plan is going forward, whether they see me being a part of that or not. I’m sure there’ll be some conversation at some point about that. And I’ll be happy either way,” he added.

Ben Stokes played a vital role in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph. He scored an unbeaten 84 in the final against New Zealand and forced the match into a Super Over before Jofra Archer’s exploits helped England lift their maiden ODI World Cup title by ‘the barest of margins’.

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Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan urged newly-elected International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah to show sportsman spirit and ensure India’s visit to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Younis welcomed Shah’s appointment as the new ICC Chair and urged the latter to do the needful to uplift the sport of cricket.

“The cricket should uplift with the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC chief,” said Younis Khan.

“Jay Shah needs to show the sportsman spirit, as with the good initiatives of the ICC chief, India can come to Pakistan to play cricket. In the same way, Pakistan can visit India,” he added.

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The T20 World Cup-winning captain also commented on Pakistan’s gut-wrenching 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series and demanded the national team to play for the sake of the country.

“There is always a pressure to play cricket in home conditions. What is the benefit to the players if they cannot absorb the pressure? There is a dire need for the players to boost their morale.”

“Everybody has seen that whether the pitch was fast or slow.

“We have clinched victories at that time when no international cricket was happening in the country.”

Younis Khan then went on to react to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s statement of having no pool of players to perform surgery of the national men’s team.

“I have no idea why the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has talked about having no talent in domestic cricket,” Younis said.

“We have immense talent in our domestic cricket.”

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India’s wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav opened up regarding the possibility of touring Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The eight-team tournament, scheduled in the February-March window, will be hosted by Pakistan. However, India’s participation in the tournament is still uncertain due to the political tensions between the neighbouring countries.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) representatives, on numerous occasions, said the Federal government will decide to send their national men’s team to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav, during an event in Australia, was asked about his views on touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The 29-year-old, in response shared he would love to play in Pakistan if given permission.

“As cricketers, we will play wherever we are sent. I have never been to Pakistan before, so I am excited. The Pakistani people are great, and whenever we get the chance, we will definitely go and play there,” Yadav said at an event in Australia,” said Yadav.

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Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Previously, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, rejected the reports asserting that the schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, may undergo tweaks.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, on the sidelines of his visit to Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore to analyze the renovation process of the venue, addressed the media and discussed the below-par conditions of the stadiums in the country.

He admitted that none of the stadiums in Pakistan are on par with international standards but emphasized that the renovation of the stadiums will be completed in time for the Champions Trophy 2025.

However, some media outlets, primarily from India, misinterpreted the PCB chief’s remarks and quoted him saying that the Champions Trophy, supposed to be held in Pakistan, may be rescheduled.

“God willing, the Champions Trophy will indeed take place in Pakistan. Match dates may shift, but the PCB is actively coordinating with security agencies,” an Indian news outlet InsideSport quoted Naqvi.

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Meanwhile, PCB issued a clarification statement regarding their chairman’s recent media talk and highlighted that Naqvi expressed readiness for the multi-national tournament.

“It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi’s comments from yesterday’s media interaction, misleadingly quoting him on the possibility of change of dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns, thus creating unnecessary sensationalism,” clarified PCB in a statement.

“During the media talk, which is available on the PCB’s official YouTube channel, the PCB Chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadia would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB Chair also mentioned that while some domestic matches may need to be shifted to facilitate uninterrupted construction work, this in no way pertains to the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as a premier eight-team international event.

“The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our passionate cricket fans. In line with this commitment, the PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the proposed dates spanning from 19 February to 9 March 2025.”

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