India’s visit to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year is not going to be formally discussed at the world body’s Board meeting in Dubai on Friday. According to an ICC insider, the Champions Trophy that is scheduled to be played in Pakistan in February-March 2025, is not an item on the agenda.
“The Champions Trophy is not on the agenda as far as I’m aware,” an ICC source told RevSportz. The Indian cricket team’s visit across the border for the tournament is subject to the Indian government’s clearance.
There is, however, a chance that the Pakistan Cricket Board chair Mohsin Naqvi discusses the matter informally with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, on the sidelines of the Board meeting. But the BCCI expectedly will remain non-committal on sending the Indian team to Pakistan.
“Our position depends on what the government will decide,” Shah told reporters in Rajkot last month, adding: “Who knows what the situation will be after a year.”
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The Pakistan cricket team travelled to India for the 50-over World Cup last year, but that doesn’t guarantee the BCCI’s reciprocation as regards to the Champions Trophy. The possibility of the tournament being played in a hybrid model cannot be ruled out either.
Last year, the Asia Cup was played in a hybrid model, with the BCCI not sending the team to Pakistan, as it didn’t receive the government clearance. Tournament host PCB was forced to hold just four matches in Pakistan, while the remaining fixtures were played in Sri Lanka.
Recently, the Indian Davis Cup team travelled to Pakistan and blanked the hosts 4-0 to advance to World Group I, but cricket’s situation is different. The Indian cricket team hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008, although Pakistan came on this side of the border for the 2011 ODI World Cup, 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pakistan also toured India for a short bilateral series in 2012-13.
A lot regarding India going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will depend on the political situation between the two neighbours in the lead-up to the tournament. Pakistan recently held its general elections and a new government has taken the oath of office. India’s general elections are expected to be held in April-May.
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