Srinagar: Multiple India vs Pakistan matches are likely to be played during ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as ICC has allocated the budget for the same.
Since 2013, India and Pakistan have not played bilateral series against eachother . However, Pakistan recent visit to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup sparked discussions about a potential reciprocal tour, with initial reports indicating that India’s matches might be held in Lahore, close to the border.
Recently, however, it has been widely reported that the BCCI is reluctant to send the team to Pakistan, suggesting a hybrid model similar to the one employed for last year’s Asia Cup. This proposed model would see some matches played in Pakistan while all of India’s matches at neutral venues.
News agency PTI has reported that the ICC has approved a budget of approximately USD 70 million for holding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. The ICC’s financial and commercial committee is headed by Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, who scrutinised and approved the budget, prepared and submitted jointly by the Pakistan Cricket Board and ICC finance department.
“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million and only USD 4.5 million has been allocated as additional expenses,” a source told PTI.
Speculations have reportedly intensified around the ICC’s allocation of funds, with many speculating that the reserve is intended for potential contingencies should India decline to tour Pakistan. This scenario would necessitate relocating certain matches to neutral venues, a move that reflects the ongoing uncertainty of hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy amid diplomatic tensions.
It is further reported that India and Pakistan, like every ICC tournament in recent memory, will be paired together in a group at the Champions Trophy. The two teams are also likely to meet in the Super Four stage. Then, of course, is the final, where India and Pakistan could lock horns.