The upcoming Champions Trophy in February 2025 could be on the move, with India reportedly unwilling to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
According to news agency ANI, India is likely to request that the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocate the event to either Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
India’s security concerns in Pakistan
“India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025,” an anonymous BCCI source told ANI. “We will tell the ICC to hold its matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka.”
This decision reportedly stems from security concerns. While Pakistan proposed hosting all of India’s matches in one city, presumably Lahore, to minimize travel, the BCCI is not comfortable traveling to Pakistan at all.
History of Political Tension: India vs Pakistan
India cricket team’s reluctance is rooted in the ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Since the 2008 Asia Cup, India has not played any cricket tournaments hosted by Pakistan. Bilateral series haven’t happened either, with the last one dating back to December 2012-January 2013 in India.
Precedence set with Asia Cup 2023
This wouldn’t be the first time India’s stance has impacted a tournament’s location. The 2023 Asia Cup was held in a “hybrid” format due to the same issue. All of India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka, while the remaining teams competed in Pakistan.
BCCI awaits Indian government nod
The final decision on India’s participation in Pakistan rests with the Indian government. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla previously stated that the team would only travel to Pakistan with government approval.
“We send our team only when the Government of India permits us. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government,” Shukla said in May.
Pakistan facing uncertainty
Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy champions from the 2017 edition, now faces uncertainty regarding hosting rights. The ICC is yet to officially comment on India’s reported request.
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