Bangladesh cricket fans are in for a tense few months as the draft schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy places them in a group overflowing with past grievances and high-octane rivalries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted the proposed itinerary to the ICC on Wednesday, and it awaits official sanction. The tournament, pencilled in for February 19th to March 9th, features a real box-office clash – India versus Pakistan in Lahore on the 1st of March.
The Tigers find themselves sharing Group A with the aforementioned foes alongside New Zealand. Meanwhile, Group B features a strong showing from Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Each team will face their group rivals once, with the top two progressing to the knockout stages.
The draft schedule proposes holding the semi-finals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, with the grand finale taking place in Lahore. Security concerns surrounding the Indian team have reportedly influenced this structure. Should India qualify for the semis, their encounter will be staged in Lahore, where they are expected to reside throughout the tournament.
For years, political tensions between India and Pakistan have restricted the Indian national team from touring their neighbours. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has previously emphasised that a final decision regarding participation will hinge on the guidance provided by the Indian government.
This promises to be a fascinating Champions Trophy, with Bangladesh placed right at the heart of the action. Whether India will grace Pakistani soil for this prestigious event remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – sparks are guaranteed to fly in this group of destiny.
