Pakistan considers legal action against India’s refusal to tour for 2025 Champions Trophy: report

Pakistan's cricket community is reeling from a major setback following reports that India has decided not to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2025. 

Sources close to a local news channel has confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of India's decision.

The PCB has reacted swiftly to this news, briefing the Pakistan government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the matter. Sources within the government indicate that officials are "not happy with India's stubbornness" and are exploring all possible options to address the situation. The possibility of a "strong stance" from Pakistan is being seriously considered, with talks of potential diplomatic and legal action against India for its refusal to tour.

This development is especially disappointing given Pakistan's recent history of traveling to India for various tournaments. In recent years, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to regional cricketing ties, with the national team participating in several multi-nation events hosted by India. Moreover, Pakistan has worked hard to ensure its stadiums meet international standards, with all participating teams, barring India, having toured Pakistan in recent months.

The issue has also sparked debate over the possibility of a "hybrid model" that would allow India to play its matches elsewhere while the remainder of the tournament is hosted in Pakistan. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has firmly rejected this model, asserting that the tournament should be held in its entirety in Pakistan. "This is a matter of national pride," Naqvi stated in a recent interview, emphasizing that Pakistan is fully capable of hosting the event on home soil.

The Champions Trophy, set to feature eight of the top teams based on the 2023 ICC World Cup standings, is one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore have been confirmed as the host cities for the tournament. With the participation of India in question, the PCB and the Pakistani government are now under increasing pressure to safeguard the tournament's integrity and ensure its successful execution.

Meanwhile, work continues on the renovation of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with PCB Chairman Naqvi expressing confidence that the facility will be ready on time for the event. "We are on track with all our preparations, and we are committed to delivering a world-class tournament," Naqvi said, addressing concerns over the timeline.

India's decision to not tour Pakistan casts a significant shadow over the tournament, which had been eagerly anticipated by fans on both sides of the border. As the situation develops, eyes are now on the ICC, which may be forced to intervene in a bid to resolve the dispute. How the Pakistani government chooses to respond could have major ramifications for the future of regional cricketing relations.