The ongoing drama surrounding the Champions Trophy has taken a new turn with confirmation that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the ICC tournament in 2025. A spokesperson from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed to Hindustan Times that the ICC has officially informed them of India’s decision not to participate in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
The PCB spokesperson further clarified that the PCB had forwarded the ICC’s communication to the Government of Pakistan, and a final decision would be made based on the government’s advice. “The PCB has received an email from the ICC, stating that the BCCI has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has forwarded that email to the Government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance,” the spokesperson told Hindustan Times.
Additionally, a source familiar with the Champions Trophy discussions revealed that the tournament schedule is still under discussion, and the details will be announced once finalized. “The schedule is not confirmed, we are still in discussions with the Host and participating nations on the Champions Trophy schedule, once confirmed we will announce through our normal channels,” the source stated.
Also Read: ‘Pakistan Will Boycott Champions Trophy If India Doesn’t Travel’: Rashid Latif Makes Big Claim
Earlier reports confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided not to send its team to Pakistan after consulting with the Government of India, with security concerns being the main reason for the decision.
The tournament is set to be hosted by Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in 2025, with the top eight teams in the world expected to compete.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif had previously warned that if India does not visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan might pull out of the event. “We can say that India does not want to play bilateral matches, but you can’t deny the ICC events as you already have signed it. India has to make solid ground. If India doesn’t come this time, Pakistan will take a big step by not participating in the tournament,” Latif told Geo News.
Last year’s Asia Cup was also initially set to be held in Pakistan, but due to political tensions, the tournament was hosted in a hybrid format, with India’s matches taking place in Sri Lanka. India’s last tour to Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup.
