After the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, attention has now shifted towards the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March next year, this will mark the tournament’s return after a hiatus since 2017.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is actively preparing for the event, but a significant hurdle remains: the uncertainty surrounding the Indian team’s participation. The prospect of India traveling to Pakistan for the tournament has become a major talking point in the cricketing world, yet no definitive decision has been made.Due to strained diplomatic relations, cricketing engagements between India and Pakistan have been limited. Their encounters are primarily restricted to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups, with the last bilateral series held between them dating back to 2012-13.
There have been numerous reports suggesting that India may not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Consequently, discussions have centered around organizing the tournament in a hybrid format, with India’s matches potentially held in Dubai or Sri Lanka. These reports indicate that the BCCI has already communicated this preference to the ICC.
Similar circumstances arose during the Asia Cup 2023, where BCCI’s reluctance led to a hybrid model being adopted. In that instance, matches involving India and the tournament final were relocated to Sri Lanka, while Pakistan hosted some matches.
However, unlike the Asia Cup scenario, the Pakistan Cricket Board has asserted its stance that the Champions Trophy will remain in Pakistan. Reports suggest they have made it clear that if India declines to participate in Pakistan, they are welcome to withdraw from the tournament altogether.Various BCCI officials have stated that India’s travel to Pakistan will depend on the government’s call. However, if the Rohit Sharma-led side didn’t travel and opt out of the tournament then Sri Lanka National Cricket Team will replace them in the event as the 8th team.
Rajeev Shukla quashes all the reports of India not traveling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025
Amid circulating reports regarding India’s potential withdrawal from the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla categorically denied these claims. In an interview with Print conducted over the phone, Shukla refuted any suggestion that the BCCI had communicated such intentions or information related to skipping the tournament.
he stated: “We do not know which source gave such information. BCCI has not put out any official information regarding this.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has finalized the draft schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which includes a highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium on March 1. While preparations for the tournament are nearly complete, the lingering question revolves around India’s participation and whether they will ultimately decide to travel to Pakistan for the event.
