(Source X)
The participation of the Indian National Cricket Team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has become a focal point in the cricketing world. Scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year from February to March, the tournament holds significant importance for India. However, due to security concerns, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been reluctant to agree to play in Pakistan.
Political tensions between India and Pakistan have meant that bilateral series between the two nations have been sparse, with the last one taking place in 2012-13. Matches are usually limited to events like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments.
Given the venue of the Champions Trophy 2025, there is uncertainty whether India will participate in Pakistan. Reports suggest that the BCCI has expressed reservations about sending the team there and proposed a hybrid model where India’s matches could be hosted in Dubai or Sri Lanka instead. These concerns have been conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Adding to the complexity, a recent report from Geo News Urdu indicates that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a strong response. They have reportedly threatened to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, if India does not participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. The PCB argues that since all participating teams have previously played in Pakistan, India’s refusal to travel is unjustified.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to assert this stance at an upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka. The board’s firm position underscores their commitment to hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and their readiness to take a strong stance on the matter.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team is likely to replace India if they opt out of Champions Trophy 2025.
There have been indications that India could potentially withdraw from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 unless the tournament adopts a hybrid model. In such a scenario, reports suggest that the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team might step in to fill the vacancy as the eighth participating team.
The concept of a hybrid model was successfully implemented in the Asia Cup 2023. Originally slated for Pakistan, the tournament was restructured at the behest of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), allowing India to play their matches in Sri Lanka, including the final, while some games were held in Pakistan.
India’s last visit to Pakistan for cricket was back in 2008, whereas Pakistan has played bilateral series in India in 2012-2013, and participated in tournaments like the T20 World Cup 2016 and the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 hosted by India. Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI vice-president, recently commented that a decision regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be finalized and will be announced soon.
