According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the BCCI has officially told the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI got advice from the Indian government for not sending the Indian team to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as per the reports.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan from February 19 to March 19, and according to reports in mainstream media, India refused to play in Pakistan. The only condition under which India is expected to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is the “Hybrid Model.” India has already played a major tournament under this model, whose host was Pakistan—the 2023 Asia Cup.
However, Pakistan is not ready for this time to host another major tournament under the “Hybrid Model.” According to another ESPNcricinfo report, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is not ready to accept any such demands from India.
“Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has surfaced, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB… Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here.
“I remain in touch with several boards, and they’re all looking forward to playing here. I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter. We’ll give every team as many facilities as we can. We’d like to see fans from abroad come for the tournament, too.” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters about India’s stance of not coming to Pakistan.
Now, the ball in the ICC’s court to release the schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on November 11.
In Champions Trophy 2025, India, Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan (host), Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and South Africa are eight participating teams. Out of these eight teams, India has already stated they will not play in Pakistan. But alongside India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh had also raised concerns in the past about playing in Pakistan; however, now the latter two have confirmed their participation in the tournament hosted by Pakistan.
