The ECB’s top officials have confirmed that India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy is essential, given cricket’s reliance on broadcast revenue. Despite uncertainties over whether India will travel to Pakistan, the tournament will proceed with all scheduled teams.
The Champions Trophy, set to be held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, marks Pakistan’s first major ICC event hosting since 1996. However, India has not played in Pakistan since 2008 due to strained political relations. The BCCI’s decision on India’s participation hinges on government approval.
Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, and Richard Thompson, the ECB’s chair, acknowledged "various contingencies" in case India does not travel. One possibility includes a hybrid model, similar to last year’s Asia Cup, where India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka. However, they emphasized that excluding India entirely is not an option.
“Cricket depends heavily on broadcast rights, and playing the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan would be detrimental. Protecting those rights is crucial,” said Gould. Thompson added, “It’s in cricket’s best interests for India to participate. I believe a resolution will be found, even if it’s at the last moment.”
The PCB remains committed to hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan and has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC. The proposed schedule runs from February 19 to March 9, with all of India’s matches in Lahore.
The eight-team tournament will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa, competing in two groups of four, followed by semi-finals and a final.
While geopolitical tensions and security concerns loom over India’s travel, both countries have recently played on neutral ground, including the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York. Discussions among the ICC, BCCI, and PCB are expected to intensify in the coming months.
Thompson expressed optimism, predicting that negotiations will likely go down to the wire. “History has shown us that solutions are found in the final stages. I’m confident India will participate, ensuring a complete and competitive tournament,” he concluded.
Updated on 16th October, 2024