New Zealand Confirmed for Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Amid Participation Uncertainty

Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025, with matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. As the defending champions, Pakistan will welcome seven top cricketing nations to compete in this prestigious event.

New Zealand Cricket Board has officially confirmed their participation, joining six other nations in committing to the tournament, excluding India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted the proposed tournament schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for approval, which has been forwarded to member boards without changes.

India, however, remains a point of contention. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indicated through media reports that the Indian team may not travel to Pakistan, suggesting the possibility of playing their matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka under a hybrid model similar to the recent Asia Cup arrangement. The BCCI is reportedly pressuring the ICC to relocate their matches.

The PCB, on the other hand, has firmly stated that the Champions Trophy will be held exclusively in Pakistan. Should India refuse to participate, sources indicate that Sri Lanka may be invited to replace them in the tournament lineup.