India’s Participation in Pakistan-Hosted Champions Trophy Uncertain
Team India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year, is in jeopardy, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The sources indicate that a change of venue or a hybrid model is likely, with bilateral series between India and Pakistan remaining highly unlikely.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, recently suggested that a bilateral series with India could be considered if India sends its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, BCCI sources have dismissed this possibility, stating that Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
The sources cited the current strained relations between India and Pakistan as a major factor in the decision. They emphasized that the Indian government’s permission would be required for the team to travel to Pakistan, and such permission is unlikely given the current political climate.
“Forget bilateral series…Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” a source told IANS. “There might be a change of venue, a hybrid model is also possible.”
The Champions Trophy is an ICC event, which makes India’s decision a difficult one. However, the sources stressed that the government’s approval is paramount.
“Bilateral series, I don’t see in the near future, that’s next to impossible,” the source added.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral limited-overs series in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India. In 2023, India declined to send its team to the Asia Cup in Pakistan, leading to the adoption of a hybrid model for the tournament.
Currently, India and Pakistan only face each other during ICC and continental events.
