The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February and March next year.
There is a lot of speculation around India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan.
Notably, the Indian team hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 due to the political hostility between the two neighbouring countries.
While the cricket boards of both nations have stayed mum on this matter, a report published in ANI has claimed that the Men in Blue will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC tournament.
Sources have told the news agency that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will ask the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka.
The 2023 edition of Asia Cup, which was supposed to take place in Pakistan entirely, was played in a hybrid model with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka as the government refused to permit the players' travel across the border.
As per the drafted schedule, Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9 next year. Apart from the host nation, India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Afghanistan are the eligible teams for the competition.
According to reports, India have been slotted with Pakistani in Group A, also featuring Bangladesh and New Zealand. Group B comprises Australia, South Africa, England and Afghanistan.
The eight-nation tournament will mark a major cricket event in Pakistan as the country last co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.
However, India’s participation in the competition will depend on central government’s approval.
India are set to play six ODIs - three against Sri Lanka in an away series and three at home against England – prior to the Champions Trophy.
(With ANI Inputs)