The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially informed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about Team India's stance for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
PCB receives ICC's Email on Champions Trophy 2025
In an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, a PCB spokesperson has confirmed the development and said that the Pakistan Cricket Board has officially received a mail from ICC stating that Team India won't be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, the BCCI has cited government advice as the primary reason for this decision.
Meanwhile, PCB has forwarded the ICC's mail to the Government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance.
“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,” a PCB spokesperson told Sports Tak.
The ICC was informed about the BCCI's decision earlier this week, although the exact mode of communication—verbal or written—remained unclear. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had had also previously claimed that they haven't received anything in written saying:
“We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we’re ready to speak on this. Now, if Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some letter the ICC will give us, or the Indian Board might have written this somewhere. Till now, no such letter has reached me or the PCB," PCB chief had earlier said.
“We want cricket to be devoid of politics. No sport in the world should have these kinds of politics. We will continue the preparations for the Champions Trophy that you’re currently seeing, and God willing, it will be a successful event,” he had added.
The PCB Chairman, adopted a firm stance on the Champions Trophy 2025, rejecting the idea of a hybrid model. He emphasised the previous concessions made by the PCB, such as touring India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite India's refusal to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which was eventually held in a hybrid format. Sethi clarified that future tours to India would remain contingent upon government approval and could not be guaranteed.
Meanwhile, as per the proposed schedule, 2025 Champions Trophy is slated to be held from February 19 and March 9. Notably, the tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four, culminating in semi-finals and a final. Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa are the participating nations.
With only 100 days remaining until the tournament's start, the official schedule are yet to be announced.
Here's how the proposed Champions Trophy 2025 looks like:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 19 | New Zealand vs Pakistan | Karachi |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | Lahore |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore |
| February 23 | New Zealand vs India | Lahore |
| February 24 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| February 25 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore |
| February 26 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| February 27 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Lahore |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Rawalpindi |
| March 1 | Pakistan vs India | Lahore |
| March 2 | South Africa vs England | Rawalpindi |
| March 5 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Karachi |
| March 6 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi |
| March 9 | Final: TBC vs TBC | Lahore |
