(PTI Credit)
Big news about India’s involvement in the 2025 Champions Trophy has surfaced. According to Express News, PCB is assured of Rohit Sharma’s team visiting Pakistan for the tournament.
Reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board hasn’t formulated any alternative plans and discussions regarding a hybrid model are nonexistent. Furthermore, there’s been no communication with the UAE, indicating the possibility of India traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The tournament is slated for February next year in Pakistan, sparking discussions about whether India will participate due to the strained relations and irregular cricket interactions between the two nations.
Because of the ongoing political tensions, India and Pakistan typically only face off in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. However, with the ICC tournament set to occur in Pakistan, India’s visit to the neighboring nation is a matter of concern for both the PCB and the ICC.
Recent reports suggest that the BCCI is hesitant to send India to Pakistan citing security concerns. The final decision rests on the Indian government, and until then, India’s visit seems unlikely.
During the Asia Cup 2023, security concerns led to a hybrid model, shifting India’s matches to Sri Lanka despite Pakistan initially hosting the entire tournament.
However, new reports indicate PCB’s confidence in India’s visit to Pakistan. If confirmed, it would mark India’s first cricketing visit to Pakistan in nearly 17 years. While official confirmation is pending, the absence of hybrid model discussions hints at this becoming a reality.
India is set to compete in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has recently outlined a tentative schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025. Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi are poised to serve as the three hosting venues for the tournament, expected to span two months throughout February 2025.
According to ESPNCricinfo reports, India is slated to compete exclusively in Lahore for all their matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The final match will also take place in Lahore. This arrangement aims to minimize logistical and security challenges surrounding India’s travel.
The Champions Trophy marks the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, which they co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka. As defending champions, Pakistan is eager to reclaim the title. Whether India will indeed travel to Pakistan for the tournament remains uncertain.
