India is unlikely to travel to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which is set to be played between February and March.
India Unlikely to Travel Pakistan for Champions Trophy
After Men in Blues clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 title defeating South Africa by 7 runs in the finals on June 29 at Barbados. Following the triumph, all cricket fans have eyed on upcoming 50-over tournament Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan next year.
However, India’s travel to Pakistan for this event remains unknown as both nations have had political tension for a long time. Pakistan has announced the draft schedule for the tournament and confirmed the venue for the famous IND-PAK clash.
With PCB proposing all India matches to be hosted in Lahore, the Pakistan board awaits confirmation from BCCI about the Indian Cricket team crossing the border.
“While the details of the tournament have not yet been discussed, it is highly unlikely that the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Indian government. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to raise this issue at the upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka this month,” quoted a source.
“The government’s decision on this matter will be final, as we have not yet confirmed it internally. Since this is an ICC event, we do not have the authority to make any unilateral decisions. However, more details may emerge during the next ICC meeting,” he continued.
If the Indian government rejects the idea of the Indian cricket team crossing the borders, the tournament will be organized under a hybrid model. Previously, Asia Cup 2023 has been played in the hybrid model, but PCB fears the upcoming ICC tournament may also adopt the format.
This concern is based on the Indian government’s approval of Indian teams crossing the border. If they do not tour Pakistan, their matches in the Champions Trophy could be relocated to UAE or Sri Lanka.
During ICC board meetings, each member can raise an issue and if a member country’s government prohibits their team from playing in particular locations, the ICC needs to find alternative arrangements. For Instance, last year during the Asia Cup tournament, BCCI president Roger Binny and Vice President, Rajiv Shukla visited Pakistan.
