ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally sought clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, a PCB spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday. This comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reiterated its position of not sending a team to Pakistan, citing government advice amid ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
Political Tensions Affect Cricket Tours
India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to strained political relations, and the two countries have only faced off in international multi-team tournaments since then. Pakistan successfully hosted the Asia Cup 2023, but India’s team played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model”, a solution not acceptable to the PCB for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
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No Hybrid Model For The 2025 Champions Trophy
The PCB has categorically ruled out any similar arrangement for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The BCCI has maintained its stance of not sending a team to Pakistan, leaving the issue unresolved. A PCB spokesperson said, “The PCB has sent a letter to the ICC seeking clarification,” and added that the board is awaiting further guidance from the Pakistan government before deciding on its next steps.
ICC Informed Of India’s Decision
The PCB was informed last week via an email from the ICC, which stated that the BCCI had officially confirmed that India would not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. This communication has since been forwarded to the Pakistan government for their review and advice on the matter.
Uncertainty Surrounds The 2025 Tournament
The ICC has not yet provided a solution or official response to the issue. India’s participation is seen as crucial for the commercial success of the Champions Trophy, making the situation highly significant for the tournament’s future. Sources close to the situation, as reported by the Dawn newspaper, suggest that Pakistan could consider withdrawing from the tournament entirely if the event is moved out of Pakistan due to India’s refusal to travel.
With the future of the 2025 Champions Trophy hanging in the balance, the PCB is looking for answers from the ICC on how to resolve the ongoing dispute. The political tensions between India and Pakistan continue to cast a shadow over the tournament, and the outcome of this situation will have significant implications for both the event and the broader landscape of international cricket.
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