In a pivotal move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to entrust the International Cricket Council (ICC) with the responsibility of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This decision follows the recent ICC meeting in Colombo, where the tournament’s budget was approved, although scheduling and format discussions were notably absent, according to a PCB source.

The PCB has indicated that it has completed its due diligence, having submitted all necessary details within their expression of interest document for the tournament. A PCB official highlighted that the draft schedule proposes hosting all of India’s matches, including a potential semi-final and final, in Lahore.

“It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss, and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore, including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” the source revealed.

Despite the ongoing diplomatic intricacies, no formal interactions have occurred between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during the recent meetings in Sri Lanka. The ICC has preemptively allocated additional funds to address potential contingencies, including the possibility of the Indian team playing outside Pakistan, should the need arise.

The onus now lies on the ICC to not only finalize the tournament schedule but also secure confirmation from the BCCI regarding India’s participation. The BCCI has consistently maintained that their participation in Pakistan hinges on approval from the Indian government. This stance was reiterated most recently when the 2023 Asia Cup, initially slated to be held entirely in Pakistan, was shifted to a hybrid model with Sri Lanka serving as a co-host.

According to the PCB’s draft schedule, all of India’s matches, including the high-stakes encounter with Pakistan, are set to be held in Lahore, with the marquee clash scheduled for March 1. The Indian cricket team last played in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, where they advanced to the finals but were defeated by Sri Lanka in Karachi.