(Source X)
The Indian men’s cricket team is reported to be hesitant about participating in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. According to a Sports Tak report on July 6, the Men in Blue are unlikely to make the journey to Pakistan for the tournament scheduled from February 19 to March 9.
It has been indicated that any final determination on India’s attendance will rest with the Indian government.
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,” a source was quoted as saying.
“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 added.
Since 2008, the Indian cricket team has refrained from visiting Pakistan. Over the past 16 years, the two sides have only engaged in a bilateral series once, during the 2012–13 season.
Last year, India was scheduled to participate in the Asia Cup in Pakistan. However, due to heightened tensions between the nations, the tournament was relocated out of Pakistan, with India’s matches, including the final, relocated to Sri Lanka.
Despite India’s absence from Pakistan, Pakistan traveled to India for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. Matches were held across Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata during the tournament.
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled its plan for the Champions Trophy 2025. According to reports, Lahore is set to host seven matches, Rawalpindi five, and Karachi three. Notably, the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled to be held at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium on March 1.
“The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi,” a source in the ICC was quoted as saying by PTI.
“The opening match will be held in Karachi, with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi and a final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinals, if the team qualifies) will be played in Lahore,” the source added.
The most recent ICC Champions Trophy, held in England in 2017, concluded with Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, claiming a resounding victory over Virat Kohli’s India by a margin of 180 runs in the final match.
