"India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. We will request the ICC to consider hosting the matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka," a source from BCCI stated, as reported by ANI.
Digital Desk: The men's Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with the Indian government's stance set to remain the same with respect to the neighbouring country. Owing to diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan no longer play bilaterals and only play each other in multi-nation tournaments, continental or global. India's stance regarding Pakistan was clear during the Asia Cup last year that they won't travel and will be no different this time around
"India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. We will request the ICC to consider hosting the matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka," a source from BCCI stated, as reported by ANI. Since their last visit to Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, uncertainties surrounding India's participation in such tournaments have persisted.
During last year's Asia Cup, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model, and a similar arrangement may be considered again, contingent upon the alternative venue.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had made provisions for smooth travel and accommodation of the Indian team, centering operations in Lahore close to the border, the possibility of traveling to Pakistan now appears unlikely.
"In the case of the Champions Trophy, we will adhere to the directives of the Government of India. We only send our team when authorized by the government, so our participation will depend on their decision," remarked BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, responding to inquiries on the matter.
The ICC has allocated a window from February 19 to March 9 for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Pakistan, the defending champions following their victory over India in the 2017 final at Lord's, await further developments regarding the tournament's venue.
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