WATCH: “All teams will come,” PCB chairman on India’s Champions Trophy 2025 participation in Pakistan

Pakistan are due to host the Champions Trophy early next year.

Indian cricket team hasn't toured Pakistan since 2008 | Getty

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.

The BCCI officials have time and again said that the Indian government will make the final decision on whether the national will travel across the border for the global event.

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.

Addressing the media in Lahore, Naqvi shared an update on the renovating work going on at the Gaddafi Stadium to spruce it up for the Champions Trophy.

The PCB chief was also asked the obvious question about the Indian team's participation in the marquee event.

To which, he replied: "We are ready to host the Champions Trophy. All teams will come."

Naqvi was also inquired about the possible visit of Jay Shah to the country once he assumes the ICC office as its new chairman on December 1.

"I don't think the details of his meetings have been decided yet," said Naqvi, before reiterating his previous statement. "There is nothing of that sort until now because of which the Indian team postpones or cancels their participation. So, all teams will come."

Notably, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under a 'hybrid model'.

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.

According to 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.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 07 Oct, 2024

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