Champions Trophy start and final date confirmed but uncertainty lingers over Pakistan v India

The PCB have unveiled the window for the return of the eight-team competition for its ninth edition, scheduled to be played in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi

Nick Howson | 05/07/2024 at 14:51

The Champions Trophy will be staged between February 19 and March 9, the Pakistan Cricket Board have announced.

But details around the full schedule will be announced by the ICC in due course.

No tournament has been held since 2017 when Pakistan won the title but in 2021 world cricket's governing body confirmed its return.

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa are confirmed to compete.

Information on the competition is scant but the Press Trust of India understands the 15 matches will be played across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.

It has also been reported that all of India's matches will be staged in Lahore for logistical and security reasons.

pakistanindia050701

Pakistan and India in action during last month's Men's T20 World Cup (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera are reporting that Pakistan and India's clash will take place on March 1 - though the BCCI are yet to declare their support.

Political tensions have limited recent meetings between the two countries to major tournaments. India men have not toured Pakistan since 2008 while the women's side never has.

India hosted Pakistan during the ODI World Cup last October and November and the two faced off in a one-sided contest in Ahmedabad which the hosts won by seven wickets.

However, Pakistan's preparations were disrupted by the late distribution of visas, while fans and media suffered similar problems.

Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member