BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has addressed the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is set to host in February. While other international teams have already confirmed their involvement, India’s attendance hinges on government approval.
Shukla emphasized that India’s international cricket tours are always subject to the Indian government’s clearance. This policy, he explained, will play a decisive role in determining whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan, where they have not toured since 2008.
“No decision has been taken (yet). But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek the permission of the government. It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country,” Shukla said while talking to an Indian news channel.
“In this case (also), whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that.”
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will see eight elite teams competing, including India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Matches will be played in three Pakistani cities: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that all of India’s matches be hosted at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which is undergoing upgrades alongside other major venues.
Political tensions and security concerns have long impacted India-Pakistan cricket relations, with the two nations last playing a bilateral series in 2012-13. However, Pakistan is keen on hosting India, citing the diplomatic and cricketing significance of their participation.
Pakistan, the defending champion of the ICC Champions Trophy, won the title in 2017 after defeating India in the final. With high stakes and a historic rivalry, India’s participation would draw significant global interest, making the tournament even more prestigious.
Shukla reiterated that the BCCI will fully respect the Indian government’s decision. The ICC and PCB are now awaiting India’s final stance.
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Will Champions Trophy 2025 be played in Pakistan? ICC to decide
