The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This decision came after the Indian government advised against traveling to Pakistan. As a result, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will need to come up with a contingency plan, possibly involving a hybrid model where teams will play in Pakistan and another venue.
While the PCB chairman initially rejected the idea of a hybrid model, it seems that plans had already been made in case such a situation arose. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to be a top contender to host matches due to its proximity to Pakistan. Sri Lanka is also being considered as a potential venue.
The ICC has been informed of the BCCI’s decision, but formal written communication is still pending. The PCB chairman has emphasized the need for official objections from the BCCI before any final decisions can be made. It is important to note that the PCB has previously shown flexibility by allowing its team to play in India despite India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2023.
The Champions Trophy is set to feature eight teams, including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, but details about the schedule and ticketing are yet to be announced. An event planned in Lahore to announce the schedule may be postponed due to these recent developments.
The strained political relations between India and Pakistan have prevented bilateral series between the two countries since 2008. Despite Pakistan participating in ICC events held in India, India has not reciprocated the gesture by playing in Pakistan. This decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy adds another chapter to the complex cricketing relationship between the two nations.
The situation is still evolving, and responses from the ICC, PCB, and BCCI are awaited. The decision to not send the Indian team to Pakistan will have implications on the tournament format and logistics, requiring swift action from the cricketing authorities to ensure a smooth hosting of the Champions Trophy in 2025.
