The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the ICC (International Cricket Council) that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. According to sources, the decision was made following advice from the Indian government, citing ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
The Champions Trophy, which is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will involve eight teams, including India, Pakistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Originally scheduled to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan, this development means the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must activate a contingency plan.
Though PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously ruled out the idea of a “hybrid model” – where matches would be split between Pakistan and a neutral venue – sources suggest that the UAE, due to its geographical proximity to Pakistan, is likely to be a front-runner for the alternative location. Sri Lanka is also being considered. However, the final decision will depend on further discussions between the ICC, PCB, and other stakeholders.
Naqvi had made clear earlier this week that any objections from India should be communicated in writing, and that he would consult with the Pakistani government before deciding on any course of action. The PCB had previously extended gestures of goodwill, including sending the Pakistani team to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite India’s refusal to travel for the Asia Cup in Pakistan earlier that year.
India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for international cricket events stems from the strained political relations between the two nations. Since 2008, India has not visited Pakistan for any bilateral series or tournaments, despite Pakistan participating in several ICC events hosted in India, including the 2023 World Cup. The Champions Trophy will be the first ICC event in Pakistan since 1996, but it is now facing significant logistical challenges as it prepares to move forward without India’s participation in the host nation.
Also read: PCB Rejects Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy, Insists on Hosting Full Tournament in Pakistan
With just 100 days to go before the tournament begins, the ICC is expected to finalize a revised plan for the event soon. The schedule and ticketing details, initially set to be unveiled at an event in Lahore next week, are likely to be delayed due to these ongoing discussions.
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