BCCI has officially communicated to ICC that India will not participate in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. India hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008 when they visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which was led by MS Dhoni. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan has created waves in the cricketing world. This has further led to heightened tensions and sense of uncertainty over the future of tournament.
Pakistan Likely To Take Drastic Measures
Following which Dawn quoted ‘official sources’ saying that Pakistan may stage a pull-out from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if the hosting rights are taken away because India refuses to come to the country. The Pakistan government is likely to instruct the Pakistan Cricket Board to withdraw all cricketing engagements with India in any ICC or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events until the diplomatic row between the two nations is well-settled.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Why Is India Not Travelling To Pakistan?
Will PCB Accept Hybrid Model?
PTI also reports that the PCB has sought clarifications from the ICC on the situation pertaining to the hosting of the Champions Trophy. The board has been reassured that India would not play, but all details about the proposed hybrid model were not made known to the PCB.
“There is no talk about having the Champions Trophy on a Hybrid Model system as of now,” a reliable PCB source said.
The PCB was informed that the BCCI has formally intimated ICC about the decision to not send the Indian team to Pakistan. No official discussion has taken place regarding the adoption of a hybrid model, like the one adopted during the Asia Cup last year, where India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka and the rest were conducted in Pakistan.
Legal And Political Implications
A PCB source, however, said the board awaits the policies the Pakistani government brings in to formally respond to the situation and seek a response that may allow for further inquiry from the ICC in light of whether India can participate. The source also pointed out how the ICC could have a legal case to answer in these terms if Pakistan follows a rigid stance on this issue.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: THESE Three Overseas Fast-Bowlers Set To Spark Bidding War
“An email is to be sent to the ICC with the advice of its legal department in which the Board wanted clarifications from the ICC on the Indian decision,” the source said.
“As of now the entire situation is being gauged by the PCB. No decision has been taken on the next step. Yes the PCB is in touch with the government for consultation and directives if required,” the source added.
(With PTI Inputs)
