The BCCI have informed ICC that the Indian team will not be travelling to Pakistan in order to participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. As per ESPNCricinfo, Indian government has advised the BCCI to not send the team to their neighbouring country.
The 8-team Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played at three venues in Pakistan between February 19 and March 9. However, this development from the BCCI means that ICC and PCB will have to come up with a back-up plan, which will most probably see the tournament being held in a hybrid model.
According to reports, 2 countries have already been shortlisted to become the co-hosts of the competition alongside Pakistan. UAE, due to its proximity to Pakistan, is likely to be the frontrunner while Sri Lanka’s name has also been added to the shortlist.
However, earlier on Friday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had ruled out the use of hybrid model for the ICC tournament. Naqvi had also insisted that the PCB would need “in writing” any objections the BCCI had and if so, then he would need to discuss it with his government before any final decision was taken.
As a result of political tensions between India and Pakistan, the last time the Men in Blue travelled to the neighbouring country was back in 2008. On the other hand, the Men in Green have travelled to India for several ICC competitions including the 2023 World Cup.
