The BCCI has informed the ICC that they are not heading to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Hence, India hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 when they visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which was led by MS Dhoni. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan has created waves in the cricketing world. This has further led to heightened tensions and sense of uncertainty over the future of tournament.
BCCI’s Official Stance: India Will Not Travel To Pakistan
BCCI has officially communicated to ICC that India will not participate in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
PTI has quoted a statement from the PCB that confirms this decision. Pakistan is to host its first ICC tournament since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The preparation work of this tournament has already begun, and draft schedule has already been presented by the PCB before the ICC.
“The PCB has received an e-mail from the ICC, stating that the BCCI has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“The PCB has forwarded that e-mail to the Government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance.” according to PTI, PCB issued a statement
Pakistan Prepares For ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The three venues have reportedly been finalized for these matches. The dates of this tournament have been set between February 19 and March 19 next year. As per plans, India’s absence has brought forth strong fears over the future of the tournament. The tournament also has other prominent teams, including Australia and England, which are scheduled to participate.
Rashid Latif & Inzamam ul Haq Slam India’s Decision
Former Pakistan wicket-keeper Rashid Latif termed India’s decision unacceptable. According to Rashid Latif, this move would bring shame to the game.
“Enough is enough. When all teams are playing in Pakistan without any problem, this decision by India is purely political and that should be unacceptable in all sports including cricket.” said Latif as quoted by PTI
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: ICC Takes BIG Decision Amid Dispute Over India’s Participation
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq condemned India’s decision not to travel for the tournament and said “They are depriving cricket of such a big occasion. There is no threat to the Indian team in Pakistan. In fact, they would get the best hospitality here.”
Cricket Caught In Political Tensions
Due to strained political relations between the two nations, India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, despite Pakistan participating in multiple ICC events hosted by India, including the 2023 World Cup. Since then, the two countries have only played one bilateral series, a white-ball tour in 2012-13 when Pakistan visited India.
