A fascinating new development has emerged in the conversation surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In an interview with the news agency ANI, an insider from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the Indian squad will not be flying to Pakistan for the event. In its place, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will appeal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches to either Sri Lanka or Dubai. The tensions that have existed between India and Pakistan in the sport of cricket for a very long time have been intensified by this decision.
This tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan during the months of February and March 2025, is currently facing uncertainty as a result of the difficult relations that exist between the two cricketing heavyweights. Not since the Asia Cup in 2008 has India competed in Pakistan, and the most recent bilateral series between the two countries took place in India between the months of December 2012 and January 2013. From that point forward, the only times that these two sides have competed against each other have been in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
Lahore was proposed as the location for all of India’s matches by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with the intention of easing worries and making participation easier. Despite this, the BCCI has not shown any interest in going through with this suggestion.
ANI was informed by a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. We are going to submit a request to the International Cricket Council to have our matches played in either Dubai or Sri Lanka.
In May, the Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, shared the view and emphasised that the participation of the Indian team is contingent on the consent of the federal government. When it comes to the Champions Trophy, we shall comply with the directives of the Government of India in any way that they may specify. “Only when the Government of India gives us permission do we send our team,” Shukla said in an interview with ANI.
In this situation, the Asia Cup scenario from the previous year is mirrored. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to adopt a hybrid approach, which meant that India’s matches were initially scheduled to be hosted in Sri Lanka. As a result of this arrangement, India was able to successfully win the championship in Colombo. Despite the fact that there were rumours that Pakistan would use a similar approach to their participation in the One-Day International World Cup in India, this plan was never implemented.
The most recent time Pakistan lifted the Champions Trophy was in 2017, when they were the reigning champions of the tournament. It is certain that the build-up to the 2025 edition will be distinguished by diplomatic machinations and cricketing plans, which will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.