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Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February and March of next year. However, it remains unclear if India will be participating in the tournament.
Recent reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reluctant to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan. Officials from the BCCI have pointed to difficulties in obtaining approval from the Indian Government as a significant obstacle to India’s participation in the Champions Trophy.
The PCB remains silent on India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Reports suggest that the BCCI is proposing a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, akin to the arrangement used for last year’s Asia Cup, where India’s matches could be played at neutral locations.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refrained from commenting on the situation, amidst ongoing speculation about India’s participation. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has directed his team to refrain from discussing India’s stance on the matter.
A PCB source was quoted as saying by PTI: “That is why in recent days there have been no comments or statements coming from either Naqvi or any other board official on what will happen if India doesn’t send its team to Pakistan.”
India and Pakistan might face off three times in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Fans can look forward to an exciting tournament with the strong likelihood of India and Pakistan meeting up to three times in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It’s expected that, as in past tournaments, the two rivals will be drawn into the same group.
This scenario could see them clash in the group stage and possibly again in the Super Fours. Should both teams advance, they might face off for a third time in the tournament final. The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams, with India and Pakistan both in Group A.
Group A is anticipated to include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B is set to consist of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super Four stage, and the top two teams from this round will advance to the final.
Teams were chosen based on their standings in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and Pakistan has automatically qualified as the host nation.
The ICC has allocated $70 million for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
According to PTI, the ICC has set aside approximately USD 70 million for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, with only USD 4.5 million allocated for additional expenses related to the event.
The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan occurred during the 2012-2013 season, with the two teams only meeting since then in ICC events and the Asia Cup. Their most recent encounter was in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Despite the BCCI’s decision not to send the Indian team for the Asia Cup 2023, which led to Pakistan playing its matches in Sri Lanka, there are reports suggesting that Pakistan is seeking a similar arrangement for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
