The Indian cricket team is set to travel to Pakistan to play in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, there are uncertainties regarding the same as the BCCI clarified that they will send their team only on condition.
Rajeev Shukla, the Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stated that India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy next year in Pakistan hinges on approval from the central government.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the Champion Trophy to be held in Pakistan next year, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said, “In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India gives us… pic.twitter.com/TeA3dZ5Twn
— ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2024
India Set ‘One Condition’ To Travel To Pakistan
Scheduled for February to March 2025, the ICC Champions Trophy raises uncertainties amid speculation that India might skip the tournament due to strained diplomatic relations with Pakistan, stemming from security concerns since the 2008 Asia Cup.
“In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India permits us. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government.” Rajiv Shukla said.
Notably, India and Pakistan’s cricketing ties have been restricted to ICC events and the Asia Cup since their last bilateral series in 2012-2013. Pakistan had to adopt a hybrid approach during the Asia Cup last year, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka and the final in Colombo. While Pakistan hinted at a similar strategy for the ODI World Cup in India, it didn’t materialize, and Pakistan played all their matches across five venues in India before exiting in the group stage.
Pakistan, the reigning Champions Trophy champions from 2017, have designated Lahore as the sole venue for India’s matches in the upcoming tournament. PCB’s plan involves hosting the event across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with India set to play all their matches in Lahore, including the final.
This decision aims to streamline logistics and security concerns associated with India’s travel while also facilitating easier access for Indian fans, as Lahore is close to the Wagah border crossing between the two nations.
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