Champions Trophy 2025 Latest Update:
Is it possible for the Indian team to compete in the Champions Trophy this time around? Pakistan is tirelessly trying to bring India on board, even offering a fresh alternative. Essentially, Pakistan proposes that the Indian team play in Pakistan but return to Chandigarh or Delhi after their matches.
Recent discussions surrounding Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar's visit to Pakistan have once again sparked debate on whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, although hopes remain slim. According to reports from 'Cricbuzz,' this issue was raised multiple times during conversations between S. Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar. The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a minister, reportedly attended these meetings.
The decision of whether India's team will travel to Pakistan for the eight-nation 50-over tournament ultimately rests with the Indian government. Currently, neither The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed this possibility.
The report also claims that the PCB has extended a written offer to the BCCI. The PCB suggests that if the Indian team prefers not to stay in Pakistan due to security concerns, they are welcome to return to Chandigarh or New Delhi after each match.
A PCB official mentioned a week-long gap between matches. The Champions Trophy is set to occur between February 19 and March 9, with matches planned for Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The PCB plans for all India's matches to occur in Lahore, prioritizing this venue for its proximity to the Indian border, making it easier for Indian fans to attend.
Source: aajtak
India is scheduled to play three matches on February 20 (against Bangladesh), February 23 (against Pakistan), and March 2 (against New Zealand). Updates have emerged regarding this schedule. The ICC has circulated schedules to the participating teams. Pakistani media recently reported a request to ICC to move one of India’s matches, specifically the India-New Zealand match, to another venue. As an alternative, the PCB proposed Rawalpindi. However, broadcasters and ICC officials have denied any knowledge of such requests.
India's Participation: Crucial for Champions Trophy
India’s participation is absolutely vital for the success of the Champions Trophy, irrespective of whether it takes place in Pakistan or adopts a hybrid model in another country. Without India's involvement, the event loses much of its excitement. ICC and PCB have contingencies in place to hold India's matches outside Pakistan if necessary, should the Indian team decide not to travel to Pakistan.
According to Richard Thompson, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), speaking to Reuters, a solution to this impasse is expected. He mentioned various alternatives in case this isn't resolved, yet he expressed disbelief that the tournament would proceed without India, as broadcast rights would be jeopardized, underscoring their importance.
The Decision to Play in Pakistan Depends on the Government
As Pakistan prepares to host its first major international cricket event since the 1996 World Cup, the Champions Trophy marks a significant ICC event. The decision to play in Pakistan is ultimately up to the BCCI, which has repeatedly stated that the Indian government will decide. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India participated on a 'hybrid model' basis, playing its matches in Sri Lanka.
According to the draft schedule, all India's matches, including potential semifinals and finals, are slated for Lahore. The headline India versus Pakistan match is scheduled for March 1. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla indicated in May 2024 that India would only participate in the tournament if the central government permits. 'In the case of the Champions Trophy, we will follow what the Indian government decides. We will only send our team if the government gives us the go-ahead,' Shukla said.
Will India Play Under the Hybrid Model?
Last year, India refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, prompting the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to implement a hybrid model that saw India playing its matches in Sri Lanka. The likelihood of India’s team traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 appears slim, pending a final decision from the Indian government. Current reports suggest the potential consideration of a hybrid model, where India could play its matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka akin to the Asia Cup. ICC’s stance on this issue will also be crucial.
When Did India Last Play in Pakistan?
The last bilateral limited-overs series between India and Pakistan occurred in 2012-13, during which Pakistan toured India. Coinciding with this was a two-match T20 series. The last time India played in Pakistan was during a Test series in 2007. More recently, the Pakistani team traveled to India for the ICC World Cup.
