The BCCI has officially informed the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. DailyCricketUpdate has learned that the BCCI conveyed this decision, stating it was advised by the Indian government against sending the team to Pakistan. The Champions Trophy, set to feature eight teams across three venues in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, now requires the ICC and PCB to consider alternative arrangements, likely involving a hybrid model with matches split between Pakistan and a secondary location.
This plan, however, faces challenges. Recently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the hybrid model, asserting that no discussions had taken place about such an arrangement. However, DailyCricketUpdate understands that contingency plans, including a hybrid model, were already drawn up months ago in case such a situation arose. The UAE is reportedly the leading alternative venue due to its proximity to Pakistan, with Sri Lanka also under consideration.
The ICC was informed of the BCCI’s stance earlier this week, although it’s unclear whether the communication was formalized in writing. The ICC may be waiting for an official written statement before relaying the decision to the PCB. Naqvi stated that any objections from the BCCI would need to be in writing for him to consult with the Pakistani government before finalizing a response.
DailyCricketUpdate has reached out to the ICC, PCB, and BCCI for further comments on the developments.
Naqvi’s latest statements mark a firm position against the hybrid model. He noted that the PCB had already shown goodwill by sending the Pakistan team to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, even though India had refused to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which ultimately adopted a hybrid format with later stages hosted in Sri Lanka. Naqvi also clarified that any future travel by Pakistan to India would require government approval.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will include eight teams divided into two groups of four, followed by semi-finals and a final. The participating teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Monday, November 11, marks the 100-day countdown to the tournament, though schedules and ticketing details are still pending. It’s also anticipated that an event planned in Lahore next week to announce the schedule could be postponed due to these recent developments.
Due to longstanding political tensions, India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, although Pakistan has participated in multiple ICC events in India, including the 2023 World Cup. The only bilateral series between the two nations since then was when Pakistan toured India for a white-ball series in 2012-13.
