The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making significant preparations to accommodate Indian fans for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host. PCB chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that measures will be put in place to streamline the visa application process for Indian supporters, along with a dedicated ticket quota specifically reserved for them. Naqvi expressed hope for a strong turnout from Indian fans, stating, “We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans, and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk.”
Although the official tournament schedule has not yet been released, it is anticipated that the Champions Trophy will begin on February 19 and conclude with the final on March 9, 2025. Key venues selected for the event include major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
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However, the participation of the Indian team remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awaits a decision from the Indian government on allowing the team to travel to Pakistan. This situation is significant, given that Indian teams have not visited Pakistan since 2008, with bilateral cricket matches mostly occurring at neutral venues or ICC events.
Despite these uncertainties, Naqvi expressed optimism about India’s participation, stating, “The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here, and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.” He also emphasized the PCB’s commitment to ensuring that Indian fans feel welcomed, particularly for the anticipated high-stakes match between India and Pakistan in Lahore.
In light of these developments, officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have underscored the importance of India’s participation for the tournament’s success, with ECB Chairman Richard Thompson stating that holding the Champions Trophy without India would not be viable.
In response to potential hurdles regarding the BCCI’s ability to secure the necessary government approvals, the ICC is reportedly developing contingency plans to address the situation should India be unable to travel to Pakistan for the event.
