India Cancels Plan to Visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

In a significant blow to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions. The Indian government has denied permission for the Indian team to travel, citing ongoing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

With India opting out of travelling to Pakistan, the ICC and PCB will need to explore alternative options, with the hybrid model—hosting some matches in Pakistan and others in neutral venues—likely to be the most viable solution. Currently, the tentative schedule has all matches set to take place in Pakistan, with the tournament slated for February 19 to March 9, 2025.

The PCB had been firm on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan, even considering the possibility of India playing their matches in Pakistan and returning home afterwards. However, the Indian cricket team has firmly rejected this idea. BCCI informed the ICC of their decision not to travel to Pakistan about a week ago. Although the ICC has reportedly prepared alternative plans, it remains unclear whether the BCCI has provided a formal written confirmation of their decision.

Recently, PCB Chairman Najam Sethi insisted on a formal written statement from India regarding their decision. However, given the political situation, it seems highly unlikely that India will travel to Pakistan. As a result, the UAE is now being seen as the most probable location for India’s matches in the Champions Trophy. The last time India visited Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, while Pakistan recently visited India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, with Pakistan entering as the defending champions, having won the last edition in 2017.