India is reportedly set to withdraw from the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, following advice from the Indian government. According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament.
BCCI’s Decision Based on Government’s Advice
The decision comes after the BCCI sought approval from the Indian government regarding participation in the tournament. The Indian government, citing security concerns and ongoing political tensions, has reportedly advised against sending the team to Pakistan. The Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan during the February-March window in 2025, but India’s participation has remained uncertain for some time.
PCB Chairman Responds to Media Reports
In response to the media reports about India’s likely non-participation, Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stated that the PCB has not yet received any formal confirmation from the BCCI regarding the matter. Speaking to the press on Friday, Naqvi said, “Although there’s been a lot of speculation in the media, we have not received any official statement from the BCCI. Our stance remains that India should provide us with a written confirmation if they are not coming for the Champions Trophy.”
Naqvi also emphasized that the PCB has no intention of adopting a “hybrid model” for hosting the tournament. “We are committed to hosting the Champions Trophy exclusively in Pakistan, and there has been no discussion about a hybrid model,” he added.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Hosting the Tournament
Despite the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation, Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that the Champions Trophy will take place solely in Pakistan. He assured that the PCB would provide all necessary facilities to visiting teams and expressed hope that international fans would attend the matches in the country.
India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
It is important to note that India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. In contrast, Pakistan has visited India multiple times in the past 16 years, with their most recent visit being for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Naqvi reiterated that the PCB is firm in its decision to host the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, despite the ongoing challenges and the potential absence of the Indian team.
