It's still uncertain whether India will visit to Pakistan to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Champions Trophy is technically slated to be hosted by Pakistan, but India's stance on their visit to the neighbouring nation isn't still clear. The strained political relationship between the two nations has led to a long-standing cricket rivalry, with India not touring Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. MS Dhoni was the last Indian captain to lead a team on Pakistani soil.
Uncertainty looms large over Champions Trophy 2025?
Despite this, Pakistan has participated in ICC events hosted by India, the most recent being the 2023 ODI World Cup. India's refusal to tour Pakistan also impacted the 2023 Asia Cup, which was split between multiple venues with Sri Lanka hosting all of India's matches. This ongoing tension between the two cricketing giants casts doubt on India's potential participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Newly appointed Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has extended a warm welcome to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Rizwan emphasised that Pakistan has a large Indian fan base and they would receive a warm reception if they decide to participate in the tournament.
We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here: Mohammad Rizwan
"Pakistan fans love Indian players, we received love in India as well. We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here. I'm unsure if they're coming for the Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain if they come, they'll receive an warm welcome here," Rizwan said, as quoted by TimesNow.
Reportedly, Pakistan has chosen Lahore as the venue for all of India's matches in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, prioritising security concerns. However, the BCCI is yet to make a final decision, with the External Affairs Ministry likely to have the final say. As an alternative, a hybrid model similar to the last Asia Cup is being considered. In this scenario, Dubai could be a potential venue, given its successful hosting of the IPL in the past. The PCB has already submitted the tournament's expenses to the ICC, and the tentative schedule indicates a February-March timeframe.
