The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to face a situation where the venue of the mega final will not be known until just about two days before the big match, with Lahore’s hopes of hosting the most important contest dependent on India National Cricket Team not qualifying.

According to a report by the Telegraph.co.ukthe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has kept the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Karachi’s National Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium also set to host matches. The tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, with the much awaited India vs Pakistan game set to take place on 1st March.

India haven’t revealed their travel plans, putting Pakistan on the back foot. The Men in Blue have not played in Pakistan since 2008 due to political issues.

The 2023 Asia Cup was organised using hybrid model with Sri Lanka hosting Team India’s matches and also the final. Pakistan were the hosts but the games were moved to the Island Nation due to India’s refusal to play in the neighbouring country.

While the Champions Trophy could face a similar situation, the final could still be played in Lahore if India fail to qualify. This means the venue of the finale will only be known after the second semi-final on March 6. The same will be the case for one of the semis if India make it to the knockout stage.

Team India’s matches have been kept in Lahore due to security issues and distance from the border. There is no indication of India traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Team India’s games could be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including the big clash against Pakistan. The final will take place in Dubai if India qualify for the blockbuster game. India made it to the final of the last two editions of the Champions Trophy in 2013 and 2017.

However, Mohsin Naqvi is confident that India will travel to Pakistan for the ICC tournament. Claims India will travel to Pakistan. “I don’t see any reason for India to postpone or cancel their visit to Pakistan. All the teams, including India, will come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” Mohsin Naqvi said.