Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla reaffirms India's refusal to travel to Pakistan

The ongoing saga surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has taken a decisive turn, with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajiv Shukla reiterating India's firm position on the tournament. 

Shukla emphasized that the BCCI would adhere to the directives issued by the Indian government regarding the event, which has been marred by political and security concerns.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, is facing increasing uncertainty, with India unequivocally stating that its national team will not travel to Pakistan. Shukla confirmed that India’s stance remains unchanged, citing ongoing security and political tensions as the primary reasons behind the refusal. Pakistan, which was awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious tournament, has maintained that it intends to host the matches within its borders, but the BCCI's position stands in stark contrast.

On Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that it had received official communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC) outlining India's refusal to play in Pakistan. This announcement further escalates the tension between the two cricketing nations, whose relations have been strained since 2008.

The two teams have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2012, with India and Pakistan only facing off in ICC events in recent years.

The last bilateral series between the two sides took place in 2012, when Pakistan toured India for a two-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. The series ended with Pakistan leveling the T20I series 1-1 and winning the ODI series 2-1, but since then, political tensions have kept the two nations from resuming full-fledged cricketing ties.

In the wake of the latest development, the PCB has rejected the idea of a “hybrid” hosting model, similar to the one used during the 2023 Asia Cup, where matches were played across both Pakistan and a neutral venue. The PCB has firmly stated that it intends to host the entire 2025 tournament within Pakistan, asserting that the country deserves the opportunity to showcase the tournament in full.

Shukla, speaking to ANI, reinforced India's position, stating, "We are very clear about it and it's our policy that - whatever the government asks us, whatever direction it gives, we will do according to that - we have conveyed this to ICC as well."