(Source X)
Saqlain Mushtaq, the former Pakistan spinner, has addressed the possibility of India withdrawing from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that their stance on this matter will be guided by the Indian government’s instructions.
Recent media reports suggest that India may pull out of the tournament scheduled for February-March 2025 in Pakistan. Should India decide to participate, their matches will be held exclusively in Lahore.
In addition to Pakistan and India, teams eligible for the tournament include England, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. If India opts not to travel to Pakistan, Sri Lanka is expected to qualify for the tournament in their place.
Saqlain Mushtaq’s Take on India’s Participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
In response to the situation, Saqlain Mushtaq has stated that the decision for India to travel to Pakistan for the tournament ultimately rests with them.
“It’s simple. If India wants to come, they can. If they don’t want to come, it doesn’t matter. There’s no point in making a fuss about it. This won’t make either party good or bad. This is ICC’s event, and they will look into this matter, as they should,” Saqlain Mushtaq said.
This will be Pakistan’s first significant cricket event since the 2008 Asia Cup. However, the potential withdrawal of India poses a significant challenge for both Pakistan and its cricket board. The two nations have not faced each other in a bilateral series since the 2012-2013 season, although they have competed in ICC and ACC tournaments.
India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to ongoing security concerns, and it is doubtful they will travel for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indicated that it will adhere to the directives of the Indian government regarding this issue.
“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,” Shukla said on India’s potential pullout from the tournament during IPL 2024.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has been exploring options to participate in the tournament through a Hybrid model. According to reports, board officials have asked the ICC to consider a plan where the Indian team could play their matches in either Sri Lanka or the UAE.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding this proposal. In the meantime, the ICC has allocated a budget of USD 70 million to the PCB for hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year. This decision was overseen by Jay Shah, the ACC President and BCCI Chief.
In addition to the main budget, the ICC has provided an extra USD 4.5 million to handle any emergencies. The potential threat of India’s withdrawal might necessitate the PCB to consider holding some matches at alternative venues within Pakistan.
Recently, India and Pakistan have clashed three times in international cricket: during the 2022 T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup 2023, and the T20 World Cup 2024, with India emerging victorious in all three encounters.
