(Source X)
Speculation is rife regarding whether the Indian cricket team will journey to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The crux of the matter hinges on governmental approval, stirring considerable debate within cricket circles and among fans alike.
Can India travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025?
The BCCI faces a crucial hurdle in obtaining the necessary permissions from the Indian government to send Team India to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. During the Uttar Pradesh Premier League (UPPL) players’ auction, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla stirred speculation by suggesting that India could participate in the tournament if governmental clearance is secured.
Meanwhile, amidst tensions surrounding the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Shukla addressed concerns over Pakistan’s potential withdrawal from the event if India skips the Champions Trophy 2025.
The PCB’s threat of boycotting the T20 World Cup has been met with skepticism, with Shukla emphasizing that India’s participation in the Champions Trophy hinges on official approval from Indian authorities.
Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan: “Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government.”
We expect retaliation from PCB: BCCI
Amid the intricate diplomatic maneuvers, a senior BCCI official has suggested possible repercussions from the PCB should India opt against visiting Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, especially when all other participating nations have been cleared to attend.
In this high-stakes game of cricket diplomacy between the two nations, the unfolding of this situation promises further drama, with indications from BCCI sources that the PCB could retaliate if India chooses not to participate in the tournament hosted by Pakistan.
A senior BCCI official said: “Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands. Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding the Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes.”
Recently, the PCB has formally requested the BCCI to furnish written confirmation from the Indian government if the Indian team decides to abstain from traveling to Pakistan, citing security concerns as the primary reason.
