The Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This decision stems from ongoing bilateral tensions, as revealed by sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI is exploring a hybrid model for the tournament, similar to the recent Asia Cup. This model involves relocating India’s matches to the UAE or Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had planned for India’s matches to be held in Lahore, including a highly anticipated match on March 1 against arch-rivals Pakistan. However, the BCCI has yet to finalize travel arrangements, leading to speculation about the tournament’s format and venue logistics.
“It is highly unlikely that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” a BCCI source told India Today. “A final decision will be made by the government. In that case, we are considering a hybrid model where India may play its matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka, just like the Asia Cup. The ICC will also have its stance on this matter, but this is our current thinking. Let’s see how things develop.”
Efforts are underway to advocate for this hybrid approach during an upcoming ICC Board Meeting in Colombo, where the matter will be discussed among member nations. The PCB, led by Chair Mohsin Naqvi, is determined to host the entire tournament in Pakistan. They have made substantial investments to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
India’s stance on bilateral cricket with Pakistan has been firm since the 2012-13 season, citing concerns over cross-border terrorism. Former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur emphasized last year that cricketing ties would not resume until such issues were addressed by Pakistan.
Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup using a hybrid model after India declined to play in Pakistan. India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka, where Rohit Sharma’s team emerged victorious ahead of the ODI World Cup. Conversely, Pakistan traveled to India for the ODI World Cup. Initially insistent on hosting all matches at home, the PCB eventually adopted a hybrid model for the Asia Cup.
ICC head of events Chris Tetley recently met with PCB chairman Naqvi in Islamabad. This meeting followed an inspection of venues and other preparations by the ICC’s security team. The PCB has allocated approximately 17 billion rupees to upgrade its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi ahead of the upcoming 50-over tournament, which will feature eight teams.
Having won the Champions Trophy in 2017 with a memorable victory over India in the final, Pakistan, as defending champions, is eager to make a strong comeback after disappointing performances in the ODI and T20 World Cups of 2023 and 2024.
The uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in Pakistan adds a layer of complexity to the tournament’s planning and execution. Both the BCCI and the PCB are working towards a resolution, but the final decision will significantly impact the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy’s structure and locations.
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