Next year, it’s unlikely that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the rest will play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as the Indian cricket board (BCCI) won’t send them. Consequently, ICC Champions Trophy might take place in another country. A hybrid model like the Asia Cup could also be adopted for the competition.
There hasn’t been any change in the PCB’s policy towards Pakistan. There hasn’t been any progress in Indo-Pak cricket relations either. In this situation, preparing for next year’s Champions Trophy could also become complicated.
BCCI hasn’t made any official decision on this matter yet. According to sources, Jay Shah remains adamant about not sending the Indian team to Pakistan. A board official stated, “Forget about bilateral series. The Indian team won’t go to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy either. Whether it’s a change of venue or a hybrid model, whatever is convenient will be adopted for the competition. If we have to send the team to Pakistan, the board will need permission from the Indian government. The situation between India and Pakistan is not such that the government will grant permission.”
The Champions Trophy is an International Cricket Council (ICC) competition, hosted by Pakistan. Not sending the team could pose problems for India.
However, BCCI is contemplating not sending the team. Board officials may discuss the matter with ICC officials after the T20 World Cup. If the Indian government doesn’t grant permission, there’s nothing the board officials can do.
Since the 1996 World Cup, this is the first time that ICC is considering holding any competition in Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will surely push to host the entire competition in Pakistan as ICC had entrusted them with the responsibility of organizing the event.
At the time of delegation, Indo-Pak cricket relations were as they are now. Hence, there’s concern about the 2025 Champions Trophy focusing on India-Pakistan relations.
