With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching in a few months, uncertainty looms over India’s participation in Pakistan. Pakistan, slated to host the tournament, is steadfast in its commitment to conduct the event entirely within its borders.
Media reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has forwarded a tentative schedule of the tournament to the ICC. It suggests that India might be allocated a single city as their base throughout the competition.
The tournament’s schedule could see significant alterations if India persists with its stance of boycotting matches against Pakistan. Bilateral relations between the two nations remain suspended due to ongoing political tensions, presenting a challenging scenario.
India has refrained from touring Pakistan since 2008, and any decision by the BCCI to send the team across the border would necessitate government approval.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson has criticized Indian politicians, urging that sports should not be adversely affected by political issues. The spokesperson remarked that Indian politicians have a tendency to blame Pakistan, emphasizing the need to separate sports from such disputes.
Pakistan official statement on the Indian government denying permission for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
“Sports should not be damaged! Indian politicians have a habit of blaming Pakistan. India filed terrorism cases against Kashmiris who raised pro-Palestine slogans which is very irresponsible behavior of India,” said the Spokesperson.
Now, attention turns to the BCCI, which must seek approval from the Indian government to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. Given security concerns, it wouldn’t be unexpected if the government denies permission for the tour.
Should that happen, the ICC may adopt a structure akin to the Asia Cup model from the previous year. Despite Pakistan hosting rights, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) implemented a hybrid format where India played all their matches in Sri Lanka instead.
Pakistan Cricket Board asks for written proof from BCCI:
Meanwhile, the PCB has reportedly asked for written proof from the BCCI if the Indian government does not permit the board to send Team India to Pakistan. As per reports, the PCB wants the matter to be sorted quickly so that they can begin their final preparations for the tournament.
“If the Indian government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” a PCB source recently told the PTI.
“It is a fact that we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” added the source.
