The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has emphasized the need for prompt confirmation of the dates to ensure seamless logistical planning for the event. This request stems from the PCB’s desire to avoid any potential disruptions or logistical issues during the tournament. The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the schedule by the end of October. This decision is crucial for the PCB to finalize arrangements and bookings.
Proposed Schedule and Group Divisions
The PCB has already proposed a schedule for the tournament, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. According to the draft schedule, the tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The proposed schedule is designed to maximize excitement and competitive matches, with each group featuring top cricketing nations. The PCB is eager to finalize this schedule to begin detailed preparations.
Proposed schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- February 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Karachi
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India – Lahore
- February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs England – Lahore
- February 23: New Zealand vs India – Lahore
- February 24: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi
- February 25: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore
- February 26: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi
- February 27: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Lahore
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Rawalpindi
- March 1: Pakistan vs India – Lahore
- March 2: South Africa vs England – Rawalpindi
- March 5 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Karachi
- March 6 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Rawalpindi
- March 9 Final: TBC vs TBC – Lahore
India’s Participation and Governmental Approvals
A significant point of concern is the participation of India in the tournament. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is awaiting approval from the Indian government before confirming their team’s travel to Pakistan. India’s participation is critical for the tournament’s success, given the political tensions between the two nations. The last time India visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup, and since then, strained relations have prevented bilateral series. The PCB is hopeful that the Indian government will grant approval, ensuring a full-strength tournament.
Venue Allocations and Match Schedule
The tournament is set to take place across three major cities in Pakistan: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Lahore is scheduled to host seven matches, including the final, while Karachi will host the opening match and one semi-final, with Rawalpindi hosting five matches, including the other semi-final. These venues have been chosen for their capacity and historical significance in Pakistan cricket. The PCB is committed to delivering a well-organized event that showcases Pakistan’s ability to host international tournaments successfully.
PCB’s Logistical Preparations
The PCB has made provisional bookings based on the proposed schedule, highlighting their readiness to host the tournament. However, these arrangements can only be confirmed once the ICC finalizes the official schedule. The PCB’s proactive approach underscores their commitment to ensuring the smooth execution of the tournament. With the ICC expected to finalize the schedule by October’s end, the PCB remains optimistic that all logistical aspects will be efficiently managed, leading to a successful ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Stokes-led England squad set to arrive on Oct 2
England’s 34-member squad, led by Ben Stokes, is set to arrive in Multan on October 2 to commence a three-match Test series against Pakistan.
The touring party includes 17 players and 17 team officials and is scheduled to arrive in Multan via Doha on Wednesday afternoon. Eight members of the English squad, including Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes, were part of the team that clinched a 3-0 victory over Pakistan in 2022. Stokes, who captained the side, will once again lead the English charge.
In contrast, six players from Pakistan’s previous Test squad, which was whitewashed under Babar Azam’s leadership, have been dropped for the upcoming series. Azhar Ali, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Wasim Junior, and Mohammad Ali have been replaced by Saim Ayub, Mohammad Harira, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mir Hamza.
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made significant changes to the Pakistan squad for the series opener. Leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood has been added to the pre-Test camp in Multan as the 16th player, with the final squad to be trimmed to 15 for the first Test, which begins on October 7.
The last time England’s Test team toured Pakistan was in December 2022, when Pakistan endured a crushing 3-0 defeat in the three-match series.
Notably, the upcoming series, set to begin on October 7th in Multan, is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.
Pakistan’s Squad for the First Test Against England:
Shan Masood (captain)
Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
Aamir Jamal
Abdullah Shafique
Abrar Ahmed
Babar Azam
Mir Hamza
Mohammad Huraira
Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
Naseem Shah
Noman Ali
Saim Ayub
Salman Ali Agha
Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper)
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Zahid Mehmood
England’s Squad for the Pakistan Test Series:
Ben Stokes (C)
Rehan Ahmed
Gus Atkinson
Shoaib Bashir
Harry Brook
Brydon Carse
Jordan Cox
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Jack Leach
Ollie Pope
Matthew Potts
Joe Root
Jamie Smith
Olly Stone
Chris Woakes
Revised schedule:
- • 7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan
- • 15-19 Oct – Second Test, Multan
- • 24-28 Oct–Third Test, Rawalpindi.
