Kuldeep Yadav Excited About Potential ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility of playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan early next year. However, India’s participation remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awaits government approval for the team’s visit to Pakistan.
During an event in Australia, the 29-year-old cricketer shared his excitement about potentially playing in Pakistan. “As cricketers, we will play wherever we are sent. I have never been to Pakistan before, so I am excited. The Pakistani people are great, and whenever we get the chance, we will definitely go and play there,” Yadav remarked.
The event is scheduled to take place across three venues in Pakistan: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed schedule, all of India’s matches are expected to be held in Lahore.
To prepare for the tournament, the PCB has allocated Rs12.80 billion for the upgrading of three key stadiums: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium.
While India’s participation remains in question, all other teams slated to compete in the Champions Trophy have previously played in Pakistan. The PCB is confident that there are no strong reasons for India not to participate in the event.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, marking the tournament’s return after an eight-year break. The last edition took place in 2017, where Pakistan secured a memorable victory over India in the final.