Picture Credit: X/ICC
With the Champions Trophy also set to be played in a year’s time, the International Cricket Council (ICC) along with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have once again come down to the table over India’s participation. This comes as the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan.
After the conversation around India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 has come under the clouds, the ICC has also put its stance stating that if the government does not allow then they will have to look for alternate options. An ICC board member, who is said to be privy to the developments, feels that any decision by BCCI will only be taken closer to the tournament and not now.
Moreover, a veteran administrator told PTI, “Every member can raise concerns for discussion at Board meetings and then it would go to a vote. But if the government (of a member nation) expressly say that they can’t play there, ICC would need to look for an alternative.” He further clarified stating, “… ICC Board’s position remain that it doesn’t expect its members to go against any policy/instructions issued by its government.”
The reports of hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model has also come in picture with the ICC looking at UAE as potential venue. Last year’s Asia Cup was also played in a hybrid model with India playing all its matches in Sri Lanka, along with the final.
With February and March being the ideal months to play cricket in the UAE, the cricketing governing body would keep it as an option. This scenario has come into picture due to the bilateral ties between the two nations since 2008.
Although, Pakistan has travelled to India time and again, but India have visited Pakistan for close a decade and half now. The Men in Green last toured India for the ODI World Cup 2023, having previously travelled for 2011 World Cup, 2016 T20 World Cup.
