With the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, cricket enthusiasts' attention now shifts to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Scheduled for February-March next year in Pakistan, this 50-over tournament marks its return after an eight-year hiatus. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively preparing for the event, but a big challenge looms large, which is Team India's participation. The possibility of the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan for the tournament has become a major talking point in the cricketing world, with no definitive answer yet. Given the strained political relations between India and Pakistan, cricket matches between the two nations are limited to ICC events and Asia Cups. The last bilateral series between them took place in 2012-13, highlighting the ongoing tensions that cast a shadow over their cricketing rivalry.
ALSO READ: Two senior ICC officials resign after disorderly organisation of T20 World Cup 2024 in New York
There have been reports suggesting that India will not participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Instead, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a hybrid model, where India's matches would be held in either Dubai or Sri Lanka. This approach mirrors the format adopted for the Asia Cup 2023, which was also originally scheduled for Pakistan. Due to India's refusal to travel, the tournament was split between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with India's matches and the final taking place in Sri Lanka.
Unlike the previous Asia Cup, Pakistan is adamant about hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 entirely within its borders. They have made it clear that if India cannot participate due to political tensions, they will be excluded from the tournament. The Indian cricket board has indicated that their participation depends on government approval. If India withdraws, Sri Lanka is likely to replace them as the eighth team in the competition.
BCCI vice President refutes reports claiming India won't participate in Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has dismissed reports claiming that India will not participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Shukla denied that the BCCI had released any information regarding the team's participation and emphasized that the decision to travel to Pakistan would ultimately rest with the Indian government.
"We do not know which source gave such information. BCCI has not put out any official information regarding this," Rajeev Shukla told The Print.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
