BCCI Vice President Shukla responds to Pakistan's boycott concerns for 2026 World Cup

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has indicated that Team India could potentially visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, pending government approval, despite the current uncertainty surrounding the trip.

Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players' auction on Sunday, Shukla emphasized that government authorization is crucial for the Indian cricket team's travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

Regarding the possibility of Pakistan pulling out of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka, Shukla remarked that they are free to express their opinions as they wish.

"Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government," Shukla said.

Meanwhile, a senior BCCI official acknowledged that the PCB might retaliate if India decides not to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming tournament.

“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands. Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” a senior BCCI official said. 

The Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan in February-March 2025. Uncertainty over India's participation has been a topic of discussion since the fixture was announced. The BCCI reportedly requested the ICC to either move the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan or schedule India's matches at a neutral venue.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested written proof from the BCCI of the Indian government's denial of permission if the team cites security concerns as a reason for not traveling.

According to the tournament schedule, the Champions Trophy will commence in Karachi on February 19 and conclude with the final in Lahore on March 9, with several matches planned in Rawalpindi. A reserve day for the final is scheduled on March 10 in case of inclement weather.