Indian government concerned over visiting Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Days after it was announced that Pakistan has been awarded rights to host the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Indian government has raised its concerns regarding their participation in the ICC event.

Anurag Thakur, India's sports minister and former BCCI president, said that they will monitor the security situation before making any formal decision.

Talking to reporters in Delhi, Thakur said, "The Indian government - the Home Ministry - has earlier also made its decision. When such global tournaments happen several factors are considered."

Responding to the security situation in Pakistan, Anurag Thakur reiterated that if there are doubts over security then India will likely pull out of the competition.

"Even in the past, you would have seen many countries have pulled out to go there [Pakistan] and play because the situation there is not normal. Security is the main challenge there like teams have been attacked in the past, which is a concern. So when the time comes, the Indian government will make a decision depending on the circumstances then," he said.

Earlier yesterday, PCB Chairman held a virtual press conference where Ramiz Raja said that despite the differences between India and Pakistan, pulling out of international tournaments is never easy.

"It is not an easy task to pull out of an international tournament. Once the rights are awarded, these feuds between different cricketing boards are also considered while making the decision. In my opinion, India will not pull out," said Raja.