Big News: BCCI informs ICC of Indian government's final stance on chances of Team India's travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian cricket team will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, as per a report by ESPNCricinfo. The BCCI cited government advice as the reason for this decision.

Team India refused to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

The eight-team Champions Trophy is tentatively scheduled to take place in Pakistan between February 19 and March 9, 2025. This development necessitates the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to implement a contingency plan, which is likely to involve a hybrid model. This model would entail teams playing matches in Pakistan and another neutral venue.

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The ICC was informed of the BCCI's stance earlier in the week, although it remains unclear whether the BCCI communicated this decision verbally or in writing. The ICC might be awaiting written confirmation before conveying this information to the PCB. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi had previously stated that the PCB would require a written objection from the BCCI, if any, before taking any final decisions. He indicated that such a communication would necessitate discussions with the Pakistani government.

On November 8, Najam Sethi took a more definitive stance on the matter, asserting that the PCB was not willing to accept a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. He highlighted the "great gestures" made by the PCB in the past, such as traveling to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite India's refusal to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which was ultimately held in a hybrid format with the latter stages taking place in Sri Lanka. Sethi emphasised that any future tours to India by Pakistan would be subject to government approval and would not be guaranteed.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four. The tournament will culminate in semi-finals and a final. Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa are the participating nations.

With just 100 days to go until the event commences, the official schedule and ticketing details are yet to be announced. The scheduled schedule-announcement event in Lahore next week is likely to be postponed due to recent developments.

The strained political relationship between India and Pakistan has resulted in India not touring Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. Despite Pakistan hosting several ICC events in India, including the 2023 World Cup, bilateral series between the two nations have been infrequent. The last bilateral series between the two countries was a white-ball tour by Pakistan in 2012-13.

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Champions Trophy 2025's schedule to be announced on November 11

The official schedule for the event is expected to be released by November 11. This development comes after the 2023 Asia Cup, which was held in a hybrid format due to India's refusal to tour Pakistan. The Indian team played their matches in Sri Lanka under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.

Here's how the Champions Trophy 2025's proposed schedule looks like: