BCCI's Stance on 2025 Champions Trophy: No Travel to Pakistan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that the Indian cricket team will not be traveling to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. According to a report in the Indian Express, the BCCI has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of their decision, requesting that all of India's games be moved to Dubai instead. A BCCI official confirmed that their position on this matter remains unchanged, emphasizing that they have formally communicated this request to the PCB.

This decision follows India's participation in the 2023 Asia Cup, which was held in a 'Hybrid Model'—with Indian matches being played in Sri Lanka, including the final. The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC event was in 2009, and since then, the country has faced challenges in hosting international cricket due to security concerns.

The PCB had also proposed the idea of having the Indian team return to India after every match, but this suggestion has been rejected by the BCCI. The ICC is unlikely to intervene, as they cannot force any cricket board to act against its government’s policy.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. The marquee India-Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1, 2025, in Lahore, with all of India's matches planned to be held in Lahore for logistical reasons. However, with the BCCI’s firm stance, the PCB is now facing the challenge of finalizing the tournament's schedule.

Despite these complications, the PCB is pushing for a schedule announcement soon, as ICC officials are expected to visit Lahore next week to finalize plans.