The Indian cricket team’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan hangs in the balance. As per a Sports Tak report, the Indian government is unlikely to grant permission for the team to travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament scheduled for February-March 2025.
This decision stems from the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. While the official details of the tournament haven’t been finalized, sources suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to raise the issue at the upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka this month.
“The Indian government’s call is final,” stated an anonymous source. “We haven’t confirmed participation internally. Since it’s an ICC event, we can’t make unilateral decisions. We might get more clarity during the ICC meeting.”
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This wouldn’t be the first time political considerations have impacted India’s travel plans. The team hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 and has only played one bilateral series (2012-13) against them in the past 16 years.
Last year, India’s participation in the Asia Cup, originally scheduled in Pakistan, was relocated to Sri Lanka due to political reasons. However, Pakistan did travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, participating in matches across various cities.
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The PCB, however, has submitted its draft schedule for the Champions Trophy, allocating matches to Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. Notably, the high-profile India-Pakistan clash was proposed for Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on March 1st.
“The PCB submitted a draft for the 15-match tournament with seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi,” an ICC source confirmed to PTI. “The opening match will be held in Karachi, followed by semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, and the final in Lahore. All India matches, including potential semifinals, would be played in Lahore.”
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The last Champions Trophy, held in England in 2017, saw Pakistan emerge victorious against India by a convincing 180 runs in the final. Whether India will get another shot at the title, this time on Pakistani soil, remains to be seen. Only time, and potentially the upcoming ICC meeting, will tell.
