India decides against traveling to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy

The BCCI has informed the ICC that India will not send its cricket team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing advice from the Indian government. This decision, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, adds another layer of complexity to the tournament planning, which is set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

This move means the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must come up with a new arrangement, likely involving a “hybrid model” where teams would play some matches in Pakistan and others at a second location. The UAE is considered a top choice for this alternate venue due to its proximity to Pakistan, while Sri Lanka is also being considered.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has strongly opposed the idea of a hybrid model, stating on Friday that “the PCB was not prepared to accept” such an arrangement. He pointed out that Pakistan had made significant gestures in the past, including traveling to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite India opting not to play their Asia Cup matches in Pakistan earlier that year. The Asia Cup ultimately followed a hybrid model, with games played in Pakistan and the latter stages in Sri Lanka. Naqvi emphasized that any decision on Pakistan’s travel to India would also depend on government directives.

The ICC received notice of the BCCI’s stance earlier this week, though it’s unclear whether the communication was formal or verbal. The ICC may seek written confirmation before officially informing the PCB. Naqvi has stressed that the PCB would require any objections from the BCCI in writing before making any final decision and discussing it with the Pakistani government.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, split into two groups of four, with semi-finals and a final. The teams competing include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. 

This development comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which have affected cricket relations for years. India has not played a match in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, although Pakistan has visited India multiple times for ICC events, most recently for the 2023 World Cup.