India Declines to Travel to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has notified the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The BCCI’s decision follows advice from the Indian government, which has informed the ICC of India’s stance. The eight-team tournament is scheduled to take place at three venues in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
This development forces the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to explore contingency plans, with the possibility of a hybrid model. In this scenario, teams would split their games between Pakistan and a secondary venue. The UAE, due to its geographical proximity, is considered the most likely alternative venue, with Sri Lanka also being a contender.
The PCB had previously ruled out the idea of a hybrid model, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi making it clear that the board would need any objections from the BCCI in writing before taking further steps. Naqvi also emphasized that any potential future travel by Pakistan to India would be a decision for the government.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will feature eight teams—Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa—competing in two groups followed by semi-finals and a final. As tensions over the venue continue, the schedule announcement, originally set for next week, is likely to be postponed.
Updated on 9th November, 2024 by MyFortune11