Source : ABC NEWS
Australia will launch their bid for a third Champions Trophy success against England after the schedule for the tournament, which opens in Pakistan in less than two months, was agreed.
The old rivals meet on February 22 (2000 AEST) in Lahore with Australia hoping to win their first match in the event since beating New Zealand in the 2009 final.
Pat Cummins’ team will then meet South Africa in Rawalpindi on February 25 before rounding off their group stage back in Lahore against Afghanistan on February 28.
Should they reach the semifinals they will play in Lahore unless their opponent is India, in which case the match will be in Dubai.
The same stricture applies to the final on March 9 as all India’s matches — including their blockbuster group match against Pakistan on February 23 — will be staged in Dubai.
This follows India, citing government advice, refusing to play in Pakistan, which was originally the sole host.
India have not played in Pakistan since 2008.
Five months later the Mumbai terror attacks, in which 175 people died, soured what had been improving relations between the countries.
The following year, in March 2009, the touring Sri Lankan team was attacked by militants in Pakistan. No team visited Pakistan again until Zimbabwe in 2015. In recent years both Australia and England have returned, but not India.
Pakistan played in India during the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad. (Getty Images: ICC/Surjeet Yadav)
The 50-over Champions Trophy will be the first time Pakistan, who are holders having beaten India in the last final, in London in 2017, have hosted a global event since 1996.
After lengthy negotiations it was agreed India will not have to play in Pakistan, while Pakistan will go to a neutral venue when India host the 2025 women’s World Cup and co-hosts the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the ICC has agreed that Pakistan will not play in India in the 2024/27 cycle.
As compensation for not hosting India next month the ICC awarded the 2028 women’s T20 World Cup to Pakistan.
“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.”
Naqvi said that hosting the Champions Trophy “is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organiser.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials and fans alike.”
Karachi is the other venue and both the semifinals and final will have reserve days.
AAP/AP
