India is anticipated to engage in a practice match in Dubai prior to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, which is scheduled to occur at the same location, as reported by India Today. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently in the process of finalizing practice facilities across four venues in Pakistan and arranging the warm-up schedule for the eight teams competing in this esteemed tournament.

All of India's Champions Trophy matches, including the semi-final and final, will be held in Dubai, contingent upon their qualification.

The ICC is also diligently overseeing the renovation efforts of three significant stadiums in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—which are set to host ICC matches for the first time in over twenty years. The report indicates that the ICC delegation has not raised any substantial concerns regarding the renovation activities.

Although earlier reports indicated potential delays, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refuted these claims, affirming that the renovations are proceeding as scheduled and will be completed by the final deadline.

The PCB had initially earmarked 17 billion rupees for the enhancement of these venues in anticipation of the Champions Trophy, representing the first major cricket tournament in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.

In response to concerns regarding the timing of the renovations, the PCB stated, "The renovation work is on track and the stadiums will be ready before the deadline." The revised completion date for the renovations is set for January 25, following an original target of December 31.

Despite these assurances, reports were suggesting that the ICC had contemplated relocating all Champions Trophy matches outside of Pakistan and hosting the tournament entirely in Dubai. However, this contingency plan, while a common practice for significant events, has not been implemented.

Tri-series in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed assurance regarding the preparedness of the venues by relocating four matches of a tri-series involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa from Multan to Lahore and Karachi, which are slated for the second week of February.

The host associations are accountable for ensuring venue readiness, including the preparation of pitches, although the ICC pitch manager is on hand to supervise the process if required. Teams are anticipated to arrive in Pakistan well in advance of the tournament's commencement, with the inaugural match between Pakistan and New Zealand scheduled for February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

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