As the BCCI vs PCB drama unfolds in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, get ready for another round next year for Asia Cup 2025. With India set to host the T20 format of the tournament after the Champions Trophy, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expects retaliation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The reason is the Indian government’s refusal to send the India Cricket Team to the neighbouring country. While PCB did give empty threats for the World Cup, this time, things could be a little different.
PCB has already threatened to not visit India for the T20 World Cup 2026 and Asia Cup 2025 could be another addition. However, all the drama could be averted if BCCI sends the team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy if the Indian govt permits. At this moment, it looks unlikely.
“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands. Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
BCCI vs PCB on Champions Trophy
Currently, the BCCI and the PCB are once again at loggerheads over sending the India Cricket Team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. While BCCI and PCB haven’t had a formal discussion regarding the matter, ICC is already involved. Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy. But whether India will play their matches in Lahore as scheduled is highly doubtful.
BCCI is trying to push the ICC for a neutral venue in the UAE or Sri Lanka. However, no formal discussion has taken place. The Champions Trophy is between February 19 and March 9.
“Our stand has been clear. If we don’t get the government’s clearance, our fixtures will need to take place at a neutral venue. It’s not that BCCI is refusing to send the team as the media has been publishing. We are an Indian organisation and we have to follow the government mandate,” the BCCI official said.
Round 2 for Asia Cup 2025?
While Pakistan may not refuse to send the team for T20 World Cup 2026, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB could boycott the Asia Cup. By boycotting T20 World Cup, PCB could face ICC’s wrath and lose out on the participation fee. A cash-strapped PCB cannot afford that. However, with PCB soon getting the reign of the Asian Cricket Council, things could take a different turn.
However, it won’t end there. India will also host the Women’s World Cup in 2025 in September-October immediately after Asia Cup.
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