The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has referred the decision regarding the Indian cricket team’s potential visit to Pakistan for next year’s Champions Trophy to the Modi government.
On Monday, Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, stated that the team’s tour hinges on government approval.
In his remarks to ANI, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI will comply with the government’s directive concerning the team’s participation. “In terms of the Champions Trophy, we will act as directed by the Indian government. We deploy our team solely with governmental consent,” he explained.
Simultaneously, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is finalizing security arrangements for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February next year in Pakistan. The PCB proposed Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi as venues in the draft schedule submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking feedback from the nations involved.
The tournament, featuring eight teams, is expected to last two weeks, though dates are yet to be confirmed. As a security precaution, Pakistan plans to limit India’s travel, hosting all Indian matches in Lahore during the first round. This marks a potential return for the Indian team to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.
The event also signifies the ICC Champions Trophy’s comeback after an eight-year break. The last tournament, 2017, saw Pakistan defeat India in the final. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy teams include Pakistan as the host nation, alongside India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh.
