The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has reignited discussions in the cricketing world, with the spotlight firmly on India’s potential participation. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is prepared for the possibility that India may not travel to Pakistan, but they remain determined to host the tournament's final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Team India's participation, the PCB is adamant about hosting the final in Lahore, even if the Indian team qualifies.

According to reports from Cricbuzz, the Indian team could potentially return to either Chandigarh or New Delhi after each of their matches in Pakistan, should they be uncomfortable with staying in the country.

A source close to the PCB revealed:

"The PCB's first choice and priority is to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan and they are counting on this but internally the Board is also mentally prepared to hear about the Indian government not allowing its team to play in Pakistan and India’s matches being held in UAE,"

"But the PCB has decided even in the event of India not playing in Pakistan they want the final to be held in Lahore. Even if India qualifies for the final the PCB wants the ICC to hold the match at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore."

The board has also been working on renovation projects for Pakistan’s cricket venues, with around 7 billion PKR earmarked for improvements, particularly at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The source further added "All this talk that the ICC Champions Trophy might be altogether moved to another location has also bothered the PCB and they will discuss this as Naqvi is adamant that Pakistan will host the event."

India, grouped alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan, is scheduled to play its first match against Bangladesh on February 20, 2025.