BCCI Vice President Shukla opens up on India's participation in Pakistan-hosted 2025 Champions Trophy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla has stated that the Indian government will take the final decision on whether the cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. 

Shukla's comments came during a media interaction on the sidelines of the ongoing second Test between India and Bangladesh.

"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 told reporters in Kanpur.

"In this case (also), whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that," he added.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. India and Pakistan have not played bilateral series since 2008, following the Mumbai terror attacks. 

However, the teams have faced each other in ICC tournaments, including Pakistan’s recent participation in the ODI World Cup held in India last year.

The tournament is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches including the final. Karachi's National Bank Stadium will host the opening match and one semi-final among a total of three matches, and Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the other semi-final.

According to the proposed schedule, Group A features Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.