Team India will reportedly not travel across the border for the marquee event.
Team India’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan early next year, continues to be a major topic of discussion.
While the cricket boards of both nations have remained tight-lipped on this matter, a report published in The Telegraph UK suggests that the Men in Blue will not travel across the border for the marquee event.
According to the report, India’s matches in the Champions Trophy is likely to be moved out of Pakistan, including the final, if they qualify.
The title clash may be moved out of Lahore and be held in Dubai, the report added. With the final scheduled on March 9, it may be till March 6 for the venue to be confirmed.
If India reaches the semi-finals, that match also will be staged outside of Pakistan. Besides Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are also being considered to host games on short notice.
The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been fraught with political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai attack.
While the arch-rivals last played a limited-overs series in 2012, their last meeting in Tests was way back in 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.
However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday (October 7) said he has no doubt that all teams, including India, will come to Pakistan for the showpiece tournament.
“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
Earlier, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla had stated that the final call about India travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be taken by the Indian government.
Notably, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under a 'hybrid model'.
As per reports, the ICC has sanctioned a budget of around $65 million for the Champions Trophy 2025. The approved budget covers expenses related to hosting several matches in locations other than Pakistan.