External affairs

Pakistan Cricket Board: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be held successfully in Pakistan, with all participating teams, including India, expected to participate in the tournament. Set to take place from February 19 to March 9, the Champions Trophy will be played across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Naqvi emphasized that preparations for the event are progressing on schedule, with further improvements to stadiums already in motion.

Speaking in Lahore, Naqvi addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding India’s participation. India has not toured Pakistan since July 2008 due to political tension between the two countries. However, Naqvi remained optimistic about India’s inclusion in the tournament.

"The Indian team should come. I don't see them cancelling or postponing coming here, and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore.