India Refusal to Travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI Cites Security Concerns
India has confirmed that its cricket team will not be traveling to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the decision on Friday, confirming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already communicated this stance to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Jaiswal stated, “The BCCI has issued a statement. They have said that there are security concerns there and therefore it is unlikely that the team will be going there.”
BCCI Proposes Hybrid Model to ICC
The BCCI had earlier suggested a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, proposing that India play its matches in a neutral country. This model was successfully implemented for the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played all its matches in Sri Lanka. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly opposed this proposal, insisting that Pakistan should host the entire event.
ICC Virtual Meeting to Resolve the Issue
On November 29, the ICC held a virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing dispute. However, no concrete decision has been reached as of now. According to reports, the ICC may present two options to the PCB: the first being the hosting of India’s three group-stage matches, one semi-final, and the final in a neutral venue, possibly the United Arab Emirates. The second option would see the semi-finals and final held in Pakistan, should India not qualify for the knockout stages.
PCB Requests Written Clarification from BCCI
Following India refusal to travel to Pakistan, the PCB hosted the 2023 Asia Cup under the hybrid model, with India playing all its matches in Colombo. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, went on to win the tournament. Earlier this month, the PCB sent a letter to the ICC requesting clarification on BCCI stance and is seeking a written response from the board.
As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the ongoing negotiations between the BCCI, ICC, and PCB will determine the final format and venue arrangements for the tournament.
