PCB Chairman Promises Simplified Visa Process for Indian Fans at 2025 Champions Trophy Amid Uncertainty Over Team India's Participation
While the tournament schedule is yet to be officially released, key venues including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been designated to host the matches, which are set to commence on February 19, culminating in the final on March 9.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking significant steps to facilitate attendance for Indian fans at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, announced plans for a streamlined visa process and a special ticket quota specifically for Indian supporters, aiming to ensure a robust turnout from India.
“We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans, and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk,” Naqvi stated, highlighting the PCB's eagerness to welcome Indian spectators to the tournament.
While the tournament schedule is yet to be officially released, key venues including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been designated to host the matches, which are set to commence on February 19, culminating in the final on March 9.
Despite these preparations, the participation of the Indian cricket team remains uncertain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently awaiting a formal decision from the Indian government regarding the permission for the national team to travel to Pakistan. This issue is particularly sensitive, as the last Indian cricket team visited Pakistan in 2008, following which bilateral ties have been limited primarily to ICC events held at neutral venues.
Nonetheless, the PCB remains optimistic about hosting Team India. Naqvi expressed confidence in their participation, stating, “The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here, and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.” He further emphasized the PCB's commitment to accommodating Indian fans, especially for the anticipated India-Pakistan match likely to take place in Lahore.
Concerns about India’s absence from the tournament were echoed by officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Chairman Richard Thompson and other high-level ECB representatives underscored the importance of India's participation for the tournament's success, stating that staging the Champions Trophy without India is not a viable option.
As discussions continue, the ICC is reportedly developing contingency plans in case the BCCI fails to obtain governmental approval for the Indian team's travel to Pakistan. The outcome of these deliberations will be crucial in shaping the landscape of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
