Pakistan Proposes India Clash in Lahore for Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a high-profile Champions Trophy encounter between Pakistan and India to be held in Lahore on March 1, 2023. The proposal has been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to approve the schedule.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with March 10 designated as a Reserve Day. The PCB has submitted a schedule consisting of 15 matches, with all of India's games allocated to Lahore due to security and logistical considerations.

"The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi," an ICC Board member said. "The opening match will be held in Karachi with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinal, if the team qualifies) in Lahore," the source added.

India find themselves in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B features Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.

The ICC has held a meeting with the PCB to discuss the proposed schedule and security arrangements. The ICC's security team has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the venues and other arrangements.

Pakistan's most recent experience hosting a major cricketing event was the Asia Cup in 2023. The tournament was conducted using a unique 'Hybrid Model' due to the Indian government's refusal to allow its players to travel across the border into Pakistan. As a result, India's matches were played in Sri Lanka, while the rest of the tournament took place in Pakistan.

The ICC finds itself in a challenging position, as it lacks the authority to compel any cricket board to act in opposition to its government's directives. The BCCI is faced with a complex decision, and the cricketing world eagerly awaits its final stance on the issue.

Tags: #ChampionsTrophy, #PakistanCricket, #IndiaCricket, #BCCI, #PCB