The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Instead, the BCCI plans to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches to either Sri Lanka or Dubai. The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan between February and March 2025.
India have not played cricket in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to strained political relations. The last bilateral series between the two countries took place in India from December 2012 to January 2013. Since then, encounters between India and Pakistan have been limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. Although Pakistan visited India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India did not reciprocate by visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.
BCCI sources have confirmed the decision not to travel to Pakistan, citing political reasons. This move is seen as a setback for Pakistan’s efforts to host a major ICC event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had proposed that India play all their matches in Lahore to address security concerns, but the BCCI remains firm in its stance against traveling to Pakistan.
In May, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that the Indian team would visit Pakistan only if the Central government permitted it. Shukla emphasized that the BCCI would follow the Government of India’s decision regarding the Champions Trophy. The ICC now faces the challenge of addressing the BCCI’s request for match relocation, seeking a resolution that accommodates India’s concerns while maintaining the tournament’s integrity and schedule.
The strained political relations between India and Pakistan continue to impact cricketing events, with the Champions Trophy relocation request highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions. The decision reflects India’s cautious approach to playing in Pakistan due to historical tensions. The outcome of the BCCI’s request will be crucial for the tournament’s planning and execution.
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