According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied receiving any official proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy. Recent reports suggested that PCB had proposed a plan for the Indian cricket team to travel back to Delhi or Chandigarh after each match, citing security concerns.
However, a BCCI official clarified that no such proposal has been received so far and emphasized that the decision regarding India’s participation lies solely with the Indian government. India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series for over a decade due to political tensions, and their encounters are limited to international tournaments.
PCB’s Plan and ICC Discussions
While India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain, Pakistan is mentally prepared for the possibility that India may refuse to travel for the tournament. Despite this, the PCB remains firm in its stance that the tournament’s final should take place in Lahore, even if India qualifies for the title match.
The PCB’s proposal will be a key topic during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting scheduled in Dubai from October 18 to 21. Internally, the PCB is also prepared for the possibility of India’s matches being held in the UAE, similar to the hybrid model used in the 2023 Asia Cup. However, PCB is prioritizing Pakistan as the host country for the entirety of the tournament.
India-Pakistan Cricket Tensions
The strained relations between India and Pakistan, especially since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, have impacted cricketing ties between the two nations. The BCCI has expressed concerns about security and government approval for any potential travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Should the Indian government refuse to permit the national team to travel, the BCCI may request the ICC to consider a hybrid model, moving India’s matches to either Sri Lanka or Dubai. Historically, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which is being expanded for the event, hosted the final of the 1996 World Cup, and PCB is keen on holding the 2025 final there, regardless of India’s involvement.
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