Pakistan to host Champions Trophy in Feb-Mar 2025.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the ICC Champions Trophy in February-March 2025 and will be the first time since an ICC event has been played in the country since 1996.
However, BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan remains an issue in Pakistan successfully hosting the entire event in the country. Reports have suggested that BCCI had told ICC to host their matches at a neutral venue with UAE or Sri Lanka being seen as viable options.
However, after BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was chosen unopposed as the new ICC Chairman, many supporters could be forgiven for believing that India's chances of visiting Pakistan are slim. Rashid Latif, a former Pakistan captain, believes otherwise.
"If Jay Shah has been elected unopposed, it means that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also provided its support. I feel it's unlikely that he will sign an announcement for India to not travel to Pakistan. I think we have received 50% confirmation that India is coming to Pakistan,” Rashid Latif said on the 'Caught Behind' YouTube channel.
Shah, who takes up his role as ICC Chairman from Greg Barclay from December 1 onwards, received praise for his work from Latif.
"Jay Shah's work has so far been beneficial for cricket, be it for the BCCI or ICC," stated Latif.
India and Pakistan last played bilateral series in 2012-13 and India has not traveled to Pakistan since 2008. The two sides however frequently clash in ICC and Asia Cup events and their clashes produce the most revenue and fan engagement.