Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has reiterated the board’s stance on not touring Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February- March window in 2025, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain.
Previously, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament citing security concerns.
Additionally, on November 10, sources confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian government is not ready to allow their cricket team to travel to Pakistan.
In response, the PCB sent a letter to the ICC following directives from the country’s government to express its concerns. Moreover, the cricket board has sought official clarification and concrete reasons for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan.
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The host nation also rejected the possibility of adopting a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, expressing their determination to host the entire tournament.
Meanwhile, Rajeev Shukla, in a recent conversation with ANI, highlighted the BCCI’s commitment to complying with the directives set forth by the Indian government concerning the event.
“We are very clear about it and it’s our policy that whatever the government asks us, whatever direction it gives, we will do according to that. We have conveyed this to ICC as well,” Shukla stated.
It must be noted India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
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