Champions Trophy 2025 Update:
Pakistan is scheduled to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, and has already released a draft schedule, according to which India's matches are planned in Lahore. Will India proceed to play in Pakistan, or will the matches adapt to a hybrid format? As of now, the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have not issued an official statement on this matter.
However, recent updates regarding the Champions Trophy have cast doubts over India's tour. The primary concern for BCCI in sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan is the players' safety.
Source: aajtak
On the occasion of the death anniversary of terrorist Burhan Wani, pro-terror rallies supporting him have emerged from Karachi and Islamabad. Recognized as a terrorist organization by the European Union, Canada, the United States, and India, Wani was part of an insurgent group. On his death anniversary, a deadly ambush on an army convoy by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in the Badnoota village in the Jammu division left five Indian soldiers dead. There is evidence of support from Pakistan's intelligence agency to these terrorists, with social media platforms showcasing rallies in support of Burhan Wahi.
An India Today OSINT team investigation found over a thousand posts with the #BurhanWani hashtag across various platforms, predominantly from accounts linked to Pakistan. Additionally, 843 posts featured the keyword 'Shaheed Burhan,' displaying tributes to the militant leader. Pro-terror rallies have been identified in at least 20 locations including Karachi, Islamabad, Muzaffarabad, and the Neelum Valley – some dangerously close to ICC Champions Trophy venues, raising significant security concerns for the Indian cricket team.
Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has called on the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan, arguing that sports should be kept separate from politics. Afridi also referred to Virat Kohli's substantial fan base in Pakistan, suggesting his presence could transcend national loyalties.
Pakistan commemorates the 'Resistance Day' on 8th July, marking Burhan Wani's death anniversary. Protests and rallies involving hundreds of Kashmiri youths vowing resistance against India occurred in the PoK district of Muzaffarabad. Additionally, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu & Kashmir (APHC-AJK) held protests in Islamabad, marching towards the Indian High Commission with Wani's pictures.
In the first six months of 2024, at least five major terrorist attacks have rocked Jammu, claiming the lives of numerous security personnel and civilians. This uptick in cross-border terrorism has complicated BCCI's decision to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan. Since the 2008 Asia Cup, India has not played cricket in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board proposed all Indian matches be played in Lahore due to its proximity to India; however, BCCI remains reluctant to commit to a Pakistan tour.
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla stated in May 2024 that the Indian team would only travel to Pakistan for the tournament with permission from the Indian government, aligning BCCI's actions with governmental decisions.
Considering the current scenario, the likelihood of India's cricket team playing in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 seems slim, with a pending final decision from the Indian government. Reports suggest considering a hybrid model, possibly having India play its matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka, similar to the Asia Cup. ICC's stance will also play a crucial role in this decision.
