PCB Proposes February 19 Start for Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed February 19, 2023, as the start date for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled to run until March 9, with matches taking place in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.

Karachi will host three games, including the tournament opener and a semi-final, while Lahore will host seven, including the final. The other semi-final will be one of five contests to take place at Pindi Cricket Ground.

Several ICC officials have visited Pakistan to inspect arrangements for the first ICC tournament in the country since the 1996 World Cup. They have provided positive feedback on logistics and arrangements, allowing the PCB to proceed with its plans.

However, the proposed dates mean that the last third of the tournament will be held during Ramadan, which could impact attendance. The PCB has previously tried to accommodate for this by moving start times to 9pm, but this will not be possible for the Champions Trophy, which is an ODI tournament.

As previously reported, every game involving India at the tournament is slated to take place in Lahore. This means one semi-final will be moved from Karachi or Rawalpindi to Lahore should India qualify for the last four. Basing India in one city is thought to have been proposed to avoid logistical and security complications around their travel. Additionally, Lahore's proximity to the Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan makes it easier for Indian fans to attend.

The main question surrounding the event remains India's participation. The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008, and there has been no bilateral series between the two since 2012-13. The BCCI has stated that the decision to travel to Pakistan rests with the Indian government.

Every other side involved in the upcoming Champions Trophy has travelled to Pakistan since cricket returned to the country in 2015. Pakistan will also host an ODI tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand before the tournament.

Pakistan are the defending champions, having won the last Champions Trophy in 2017.

Tags: #ChampionsTrophy, #PakistanCricket, #ICC, #CricketTournament, #IndiaParticipation