Pakistan will play against India in the 2025 Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai. The tournament is a significant event that returns to the international scene after 2017. Despite security concerns preventing India from traveling to Pakistan, the tournament will involve matches in both countries. The Champions Trophy illustrates the complexities of cricketing relationships between the two nations and the collaborative efforts of the ICC to bridge the gap.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to face its long-standing rival, India, in the highly anticipated group match of the 2025 Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The schedule was delayed due to India’s concerns regarding security while traveling to Pakistan. The tournament will feature a minimum of 10 matches hosted in cities such as Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore, while India will play its group matches in Dubai against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his excitement regarding the announcement, stating, “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule … marking the tournament’s much-anticipated first return since 2017.” He further noted that with Dubai being the ICC’s headquarters, this arrangement symbolizes a blend of both heritage and modernity within the sport. Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa are scheduled to conduct all their Group B matches in Pakistan.
This will be the first global cricket event hosted by Pakistan since 1996, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to global cricket. After extensive discussions, the ICC confirmed that Pakistan will not play in India during the 2024-27 cycle. This decision was influenced by India’s absence from the Champions Trophy, necessitating that Pakistan participate in matches at a neutral location when India organizes the 2025 Women’s World Cup and co-hosts the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka.
In compensation for not hosting India during the Champions Trophy, Pakistan has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of hosting the Champions Trophy, stating that it highlights Pakistan’s dedication to promoting cricket at elevated levels. He expressed gratitude to the ICC members for their constructive engagement in achieving a mutually beneficial agreement aimed at fostering international cricket collaboration.
The upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy marks an essential event in the cricketing calendar, with a total of eight teams set to compete for the prestigious title. Cricketing relations between India and Pakistan have been fraught with challenges, primarily due to security concerns that have impeded frequent matches. Thus, this Champions Trophy is particularly significant, as it is the first major global tournament to take place in Pakistan since 1996, making it a historic moment for the nation. The allocation of matches in both Pakistan and the UAE reflects the ICC’s intent to provide competitive fixtures while considering safety and logistical requirements. The scheduling delays preceding the announcement further highlight the complexities of organizing international sports in the current climate.
In conclusion, the 2025 Champions Trophy will serve as a crucial platform for demonstrating cricketing prowess, especially amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. The event’s organization in both UAE and Pakistan underscores the ICC’s commitment to fostering international cricket while managing external concerns. With the highlights including a highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, the championship is poised to provide an exceptional cricketing experience for players and fans alike, while also reinforcing Pakistan’s status as a capable host for global sporting events.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
