LAHORE, Nov 12: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking clarification on India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Geo News reported on Tuesday. India has maintained its stance of not traveling to Pakistan due to ongoing security concerns, a position it has held since 2008, when they last played in Pakistan during the Asia Cup.
India’s refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reiterated that India would only consider traveling to Pakistan if permitted by the Government of India. Earlier this year, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that India would not participate unless given approval by the Indian government.
The ICC has officially informed the PCB that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the event, scheduled for early 2025. In response, the PCB has consulted with the Pakistani government and is determined to take a strong stance. Sources close to the PCB have emphasized that while India’s participation is crucial for ICC revenues, Pakistan’s involvement is equally vital. Without matches between the two nations, the revenue generated from the event could be significantly impacted.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model for India’s participation, where India’s matches could be played at a neutral venue, with the final potentially held at the Dubai International Stadium in the UAE. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has rejected this idea, stating that no discussions have taken place regarding hosting the tournament under a hybrid model.
As the situation develops, South Africa and the UAE have emerged as potential alternative venues for the tournament if Pakistan withdraws. Reports suggest that should the event be moved to a neutral location, Pakistan might also consider pulling out entirely.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, with the two teams mostly meeting in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups in recent years.
