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, rumours are rife that the Men in Blue won't be travelling to Pakistan for the marquee event.
Amid the speculations, a report published in PTI claims that the PCB has kept the ball in BCCI and ICC’s court over the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Notably, the Indian team hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 due to strained political relations between the two countries.
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.
Considering the BCCI’s reluctance to travel, PCB has left things for ICC to decide the schedule of the tournament and persuade India to travel to Pakistan.
“The PCB now has done what was required of it as hosts of the Champions Trophy. It has submitted the draft schedule and format for the event and also submitted budget for the event,” a PCB insider quoted as saying by PTI.
“It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalise the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” he added.
“The PCB for its part has given in writing to the ICC about the tax modalities, venue selections and clearance from its government for Indian team to be hosted in Pakistan for the mega event,” another source stated.
The source also confirmed to PTI that the budget for the Champions Trophy was approved at the recent ICC meetings in Colombo. However, no discussion took place regarding the schedule and format of the tournament. Additionally, the Pakistan board has already submitted the draft schedule.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan have reportedly agreed to travel to Pakistan for the ICC tournament. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) president Mirwais Ashraf and CEO Naseeb Khan met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and assured their participation in the competition.
“They told the chairman that Afghanistan is looking forward to sending its team to Pakistan since they are participating in the Champions Trophy for the first time,” a PCB source told PTI.
“They gave the assurance after speculations about some countries following India’s path if the BCCI decides not to send its team to Pakistan for the event,” he said.
Former PCB chairman Khalid Mehmood recently claimed that the BCCI could flex its financial muscle to influence others from travelling to Pakistan. He expressed if India refuse to travel, the likes of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan may not send teams either.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will mark a major cricket event in Pakistan as the country last co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.
(With PTI Inputs)
