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After India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June 2024, the next major ICC assignment is the Champions Trophy. While it will be the first time that Pakistan will host an ICC event since 1996 ODI World Cup, India’s participation continues to be under cloud as the decision is said to rest in the hands of the Government of India.
Speaking of the tournament, which is set to be played in Pakistan in February-March 2025, India’s Home Minister dropped a one-liner regarding the Rohit Sharma-led side’s participation. Moreover, this statement comes after his son and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Jay Shah was appointed as the next Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Not in favour of holding talks with Pakistan: Amit Shah
Speaking to media, Shah when asked of India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, said, “We are not in favour of holding talks with Pakistan until terrorism completely does not end.” If the statement is to be followed, Team India’s participation for the Champions Trophy remains uncertain.
While a major task lies in the hand of Jay Shah as he is set to take the helm with the ICC in December, a BCCI official was quoted by InsideSport as, “there has been no discussion regarding Champions Trophy. Our stance is clear. We will follow what the government says. It is not in our hands. I can understand that it will be a difficult task for Jay Shah since he will be the ICC Chief. But he understands the concern and we expect India’s matches to be shifted to a neutral venue. As ICC Chief, he will have to change his father or the government’s position.”
