The ICC Champions Trophy is set to return after seven years. However, there’s no doubt whether the tournament will happen smoothly on Pakistani soil. India is still expressing displeasure over going to play on the grounds of their arch-rivals.
So far, there has been no official statement from the BCCI regarding playing the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Now, Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the BCCI, has spoken out for the first time.
It’s been stated that Rohit Sharma will go to play in Pakistan. This was conveyed by an official of the Indian cricket board to the country’s news agency, ANI. He said, ‘Regarding going to play the Champions Trophy, we can only say one thing, we’ll do what the government says. If the government permits, the team will definitely be sent. The decision depends entirely on the government’s permission.’
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants the Indian team to come to their country to play. They have already submitted a request to the ICC with a tentative schedule. Among the three venues chosen is Babar Azam’s country. One of the matches has been scheduled in Lahore.
It is said that the proximity of the visit and the location of the city near the Indian border would make travel easier for the cricket fans of the country. There is also talk of holding the final of the tournament at the same venue.
Previously, Rohit Sharma has not played in Pakistan even in the latest Asia Cup. Most of their matches were played on neutral venues, with Sri Lanka hosting the majority of the Asia Cup matches.
Now, the ICC is also considering organizing the Champions Trophy under the same model. A few days ago, another Indian news agency revealed this information. In 2008, India went to Pakistan to play in the Asia Cup.
Subsequently, the last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was in the 2012-2013 season. Pakistan came to play that series on Indian soil. Just a few months ago, the ICC One Day World Cup was held in India.
There too, Babar came to play. But the matter of repeatedly expressing reluctance to go and play in Pakistan due to political tensions is being highlighted by the BCCI. Once again, they have mentioned obtaining permission from the Indian government as a condition.
It is noteworthy that the PCB has announced plans to organize the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March. As a result, the country’s franchise tournament, the PSL, has been pushed back.
It will take place between April 7th and May 20th. Consequently, next year, there could be a clash between the IPL and PSL, as the IPL usually takes place around April.
