Improbable that India will travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025, says top Journalist

Senior Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has indicated that the Indian cricket team is highly unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025. 

In a widely circulated video discussion, Gupta suggested that the tournament may be conducted under a hybrid model, with a substantial portion of the matches possibly played in neutral venues.

The renowned journalist stated that the Indian team’s participation in Pakistan is “99.9%” improbable, citing ongoing security concerns and diplomatic sensitivities. 

He emphasized that the International Cricket Council (ICC) needs to devise a workable solution similar to the arrangements made for the Asia Cup.

“Given the complexities and time constraints, it seems improbable that India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” Gupta stated. “The ICC will have to explore alternative arrangements, as the situation is markedly different from the Asia Cup where multiple claims were made about venue changes.”

There are rumors that Sri Lanka and Dubai are being considered as potential venues for the Asia Cup. Gupta mentioned that although Sri Lanka was initially chosen due to the intense heat in Dubai, the weather in Dubai might now be more favorable, making it a viable option for the tournament.

Previously, Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), dismissed claims that the Indian cricket team would not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. 

Shukla clarified to ThePrint over the phone, “We do not know which source gave such information. BCCI has not put out any official information regarding this."