Amid the controversy over India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled for Pakistan, tensions have escalated because of India’s decision not to attend.
Pakistan dismissed the idea of a hybrid model allowing India to play in Dubai. However, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) firmly maintaining their stances, the future of the competition is uncertain. Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar warned the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC), pointing out the potential $100 million loss in sponsorships if India does not participate.
Speaking on a Pakistani channel, Akhtar stated, “If Pakistan can’t host India here or at a neutral venue, we stand to lose about $100 million from sponsorships, which the ICC and the host country usually receive. It would be far better for India to play in Lahore, whatever the outcome.”
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's media talk at Gaddafi Stadium as he inspected the venue's upgradation pic.twitter.com/kW7yzH68aY
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 18, 2024The Indian blind cricket team also faces challenges. The national federation announced that the Indian government denied them permission to travel to Pakistan for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns. The team planned to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday for the tournament, which will run from November 23 to December 3.
Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Confirmed as Host Amid India Participation
Although the sports ministry granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC), the team could not secure clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour continues in Taxila and Khanpur! 🏆✨
Take a look at the highlights from Day 2 of the tour in Pakistan. 📸 pic.twitter.com/em4IMfboaT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2024Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), shared his disappointment, “We were informed unofficially that the blind team would not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were supposed to go to the Wagah border tomorrow, but we’ve received no clearance from ministry officials yet.” Yadav voiced his frustration about the timing of the decision, noting that earlier communication could have saved the team’s efforts in preparing for the selection trial.
Read: ICC Set to Announce Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Amid Uncertainty
He further explained, “They argue that if the mainstream cricket team is unsafe, how can we be? We accept the decision, of course. But why hold off until the last minute? Why not inform us a month or at least 25 days in advance? There is a process.”
Meanwhile, the blind cricket team remains in New Delhi, where they held a 25-day training camp before selecting their World Cup squad.
