Lahore, Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refuted the reports claiming a change in the venue of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in case India qualifies for the title match. Pakistan are scheduled to host the ICC tournament in February-March next year with India's participation under clouds given the political tensions between the neighbouring countries.

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“Despite the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the PCB remains steadfast in its stance to ensure a successful and uninterrupted tournament,” clarified the PCB in a statement as reported by Pakistan's local DunyaNews.

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"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, and we are confident that Pakistan will be able to host a memorable event," it further added in response to a report published in the Telegraph UK.

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The report had suggested that the final could be moved to Dubai, UAE from Lahore if India qualifies and the relocation of the semi-final was also under consideration.

India and Pakistan do not play bilateral cricket given the animosity between the two nations and only face each other in the ICC tournaments.

Last year, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the regional Asia Cup and eventually, its matches were held in Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, had travelled to India soon after for the ODI World Cup 2023.

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As per the draft schedule, the PCB has earmarked Lahore as the venue for all of India's matches including the final and semi-final, should India qualify.

Recently, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi also expressed confidence in India travelling to Pakistan for the tournament.

In the last Champions Trophy, which was held back in 2017 in England, Pakistan beat India in the final to lift their second-ever ICC silverware in the 50-over format.