NEW DELHI: Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitting draft dates to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Indian cricket team might not visit Pakistan next year to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as reported by an Indian sports website.
A report published by Sports Tak on Saturday claimed that India would not play in the mega ICC event in Pakistan, set to begin on February 19 with the final on March 9. “While the details of the tournament have not yet been discussed, it is highly unlikely that the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Indian government. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board plans to raise this issue at the upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka this month,” Sports Tak reported, citing a source.
“The government’s decision on this matter will be final, as we have not yet confirmed it internally. Since this is an ICC event, we do not have the authority to make any unilateral decisions. However, more details may emerge during the next ICC meeting,” the source added.
India has not traveled to Pakistan since 2008 and met only once for a bilateral series in 2012-13. Though India was supposed to travel to Pakistan in 2023 for the Asia Cup, the tournament took place in a hybrid mode, with India’s matches, including the final, played in Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had furnished its draft for the Champions Trophy 2025, assigning seven matches to Lahore, five to Rawalpindi, and three to Karachi. According to the draft, the India and Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi,” the ICC source said.
“The opening match will be held in Karachi, with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi and the final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinals, if the team qualifies) will be played in Lahore,” the source added.
This potential decision by the Indian government highlights the continuing geopolitical tensions affecting sports and diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. As the ICC meeting in Sri Lanka approaches, the cricketing world awaits further developments on this high-stakes issue.
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