India’s Pakistan Tour for Champions Trophy 2025 Hinges on Govt Approval: BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President, Rajeev Shukla, has stated that the Indian cricket team’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy next year is contingent upon approval from the central government.

Scheduled for February to March 2025 in Pakistan, the tournament’s fate for India hinges on governmental consent due to historical tensions between the two nations due to terrorism.

Since the 2008 Asia Cup, India has refrained from playing cricket tournaments in Pakistan due to strained relations. Notably, the last bilateral series between the two nations occurred in December 2012-January 2013 in India.

Shukla said that the BCCI adheres to the directives of the Indian government regarding cricket engagements with Pakistan, underlining the importance of governmental approval for the team’s participation.

Pakistan, as the defending champions, is set to host the Champions Trophy in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Notably, all of India’s matches are slated to take place in Lahore, with the final also scheduled there. This arrangement aims to mitigate logistical and security challenges while offering Indian fans easier access, particularly via the Wagah border crossing.

Discussions surrounding India’s participation are expected to be a focal point among the eight participating teams, with the PCB having submitted a draft schedule to the ICC.