Reports: India vs Pakistan could happen thrice at Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy exclusively for the first time in 2025. However, India's participation in the marquee event still hangs in the balance.

India and Pakistan played a bilateral series way back in 2012-2013. Since then, the two neighbouring countries have only locked horns in ICC events. Last year, Pakistan travelled to India to play in the ODI World Cup. However, recent reports have suggested that the BCCI is not eager to send their players for a reciprocal tour. This could open up the option to host the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model like the Asia Cup last year.

Pakistan were set to host the Asia Cup exclusively, but after India refused to travel, Sri Lanka were added as co-hosts and the Men in Blue played their matches in the Island Nation. If the Champions Trophy moves to a hybrid model, few matches would take place in Pakistan, while India will play in neutral venues.

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According to latest reports, 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 spearheaded by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who scrutinised and approved the budget, prepared and submitted jointly by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) 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 according to Hindustan Times.

The allocation of additional funds has given rise to speculations that the ICC could be preparing for potential eventualities in case India refrain from touring Pakistan. Amid the speculations, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has advised his fellow colleagues not to issue any statements related to India's stance.

“That is why in recent days there is no comments or statement coming from either Naqvi or any other board official on what will happen if India doesn't send its team to Pakistan,” a PCB insider said.

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It is also reported that India and Pakistan could square off thrice at the show-piece event next year. Like all the recent ICC events, the two Asian giants will be paired in the same group in the first round. There is also a chance that both of them will make it to the Super Four stage, where they will then face each other again. The third meeting between the two decorated sides could be in the summit clash.