With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan, India’s participation remains uncertain due to ongoing political tensions and security concerns. Recently, the BCCI informed the ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan, citing these unresolved issues, which continue to strain relations between the two cricketing boards.

The situation gained more attention recently when Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav was asked by a fan why India wouldn’t participate in Pakistan during the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. Suryakumar, handling the question with diplomacy, simply replied, “Brother, it’s not in our hands,” a statement that went viral, sparking widespread discussion and debate among fans across social media.

This isn’t a new scenario in cricket relations between India and Pakistan. In 2023, India declined to play in Pakistan for the Asia Cup, opting instead to compete in a hybrid model with their matches held in Sri Lanka.

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It seems likely that a similar model may be suggested for the Champions Trophy if India’s stance holds. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra spoke out on the issue, clarifying that the decision wasn’t solely in the BCCI’s hands.

 

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In a YouTube video, Chopra explained, “It’s confirmed that India won’t travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision isn’t about the BCCI—it’s the Indian government’s directive. While the Indian team can play Pakistan in neutral venues or even host them at home, crossing into Pakistan requires official government approval.”

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Chopra also highlighted recent security events, such as a bomb blast in Quetta, underscoring why concerns persist around sending players across the border. The long-standing dispute over Kashmir adds another layer of complexity to the situation, making India’s refusal to play in Pakistan likely to continue for the foreseeable future.