India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been shrouded in controversy given the debate over the possibility of traveling to Pakistan for the event. Even as there remained doubts over the logistics and the security worries, the BCCI has officially ruled out traveling to Pakistan for the tournament.
India Not Travelling Due To ‘Security Concerns’
The foremost reason for India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan is security. India has long expressed concerns about the safety of its players and officials in Pakistan, a country where political tensions and security issues have often been prevalent. With historical incidents involving security breaches during international tours, including the infamous 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, India remains cautious about sending its team to Pakistan.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Trophy Tour Begins Amid BCCI Vs PCB Standoff
A Loss Of $100 Million? Shoaib Akhtar Issues Stark Warning
In the midst of the raging row, legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar gave a stiff warning to the PCB and the ICC. Akhtar reminded the cricketing fraternity that without India, the tournament would lose an amount as high as $100 million (approximately Rs 844 crore), and thus made it clear that India’s presence is an imperative for international cricket.
“If Pakistan is not able to bring India to our country, or to a neutral venue, two things will happen. First, we will lose about $100 million from sponsorship which ICC and the hosting country receive. Second, it will be so much better that India comes to Pakistan, plays in Lahore and win or lose, whatever may be the scenario,” Shoaib Akhtar said on a Pakistan Channel.
India-Pakistan Matches Have Highest Viewership
It depends on the participation of India and Pakistan for marquee events as the ICC secured $3.2 billion in broadcast rights for the 2024-2027 cycle and expects an additional $1 billion from other revenue streams. Matches between India and Pakistan habitually attract record-breaking audiences and an absence can severely disrupt the financial dynamics of global cricket. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, 173 million users watched the live telecast while 225 million were digital viewers.
Indian Blind Cricket Team Denied Permission to Travel To Pakistan
Besides the controversy revolving around the Champions Trophy, a No-Objection Certificate for the Indian blind cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the T20 World Cup has also been denied. As per the national federation, on Tuesday, the Indian government did not give clearance based on security reasons.
PCB Vs BCCI Clash
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, speaking on Monday (November 18, 2024), revealed that the board had yet to receive any response from the ICC concerning the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to not send its men’s team to Pakistan. Earlier in November, the BCCI had officially informed the ICC that it would not participate in the tournament in Pakistan and requested that its matches be hosted in a neutral venue.
Also Read:Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI Condemns PCB’s Controversial Move, Kapil Dev Drops Truth Bomb
Controversy Over Trophy Tour
Initially, the PCB had intended to host the trophy in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) region, but it was resisted by BCCI. In response to a formal complaint, the ICC revised the tour itinerary to avoid the controversial region, ensuring the event complied with international sensitivities.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains unclear how both cricketing bodies will move forward in resolving the issue, with significant financial and diplomatic considerations at play.
