Pakistan may consider boycotting ICC events if India does not participate in the Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan in 2025 following reports suggesting that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, and a hybrid hosting model is currently under consideration.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his frustration, noting that while Pakistan has consistently shown goodwill, it cannot be expected to do so indefinitely. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif indicated that Pakistan might withdraw from ICC events in response to India’s non-participation.
The Champions Trophy is set to feature two groups of four teams, including cricketing nations like Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the defending champions, Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since the 2012-13 tour due to political tensions, limiting their encounters to ICC and Asia Cup events. Latif emphasized on Geo News that for ICC events, unlike bilateral series or the Asia Cup, teams are contractually obligated to participate under agreements signed for the 2024-2031 cycle.
Latif also commented that security concerns, often cited by teams avoiding tournaments in certain countries, should not be an excuse, pointing out that teams like Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa are willing to visit Pakistan.
He starkly noted that the relevance of the ICC hinges significantly on the participation of India and Pakistan. Without their involvement, viewer interest could drastically decline. Latif warned that if India abstains from participating this time without a substantial justification, Pakistan might reciprocate by not participating in ICC events, marking a significant stance in international cricket relations.
