Champions Trophy 2025: Major Decision on Champions Trophy! Indian Team Will Not Go to Pakistan, BCCI Informs ICC
The Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian government has prohibited the team from traveling to Pakistan. As a result, the Indian team will not visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. According to an ESPN Cricinfo report, the BCCI has notified the ICC of this decision. Consequently, the tournament may be organized under a “hybrid model.”
Where Will India Play Their Matches?
The Indian team may play all its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the Champions Trophy, although Sri Lanka is also under consideration. However, UAE is currently the frontrunner due to its proximity to Pakistan. BCCI’s stance was communicated to the ICC earlier this week, although it’s unclear whether the BCCI presented this decision formally. The ICC may seek a written confirmation from the BCCI before informing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). PCB’s Nakvi mentioned that the board hasn’t officially discussed the “hybrid model” yet, but they are open to considering it.
When Will the Schedule Be Announced?
Eight teams will participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, divided into two groups of four. After group matches, there will be semifinals and a final. The teams include India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. With just around 100 days left, the schedule is yet to be announced. The tournament is set to start on February 19, with the final scheduled for March 9.
Reportedly, PCB had prepared a schedule where India and Pakistan would be in the same group, with their match scheduled for March 1 in Lahore, and the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. Group A was to include India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B would have England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. PCB had planned to hold all of India’s matches in Lahore. However, due to the BCCI’s decision, the tournament may only be feasible with the hybrid model.
The last time the Indian team toured Pakistan was in 2008, for the Asia Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. India reached the final but lost to Sri Lanka by 100 runs.
