India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm the team’s travel plans to Pakistan. The BCCI has repeatedly stated that the Indian team will only travel to Pakistan if the Central government grants permission.
Amidst the ongoing debate, former Pakistan cricketer Moin Khan has appealed to legendary Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid to persuade the BCCI to send Team India for the Champions Trophy.
“Former India cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, etc., should tell their cricket board to keep politics away from cricket. Cricket should not be obstructed by political issues. The fans would love to see India and Pakistan play. It will not only benefit Pakistan, but overall cricket will be benefitted,” Moin said at an event.
However, Moin also emphasized that Pakistan should not send their team to India if India does not participate in the Champions Trophy. “India ought to honor their commitments with the ICC. And if they do not come, then Pakistan should reconsider their decision to participate in any future events slated to be held in India,” he added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will commence on February 19 and be held entirely in Pakistan, rejecting a hybrid model for India’s matches, as was the case with the Asia Cup 2023.
According to the PCB proposal, the ICC Champion’s Trophy 2025 will be scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with all matches taking place across three major cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Sources within the PCB indicate that International Cricket Council (ICC) officials who visited Pakistan to inspect the arrangements for the event have expressed satisfaction with the systems in place.
If the Champions Trophy does remain in Pakistan, it could be the first major international cricket tournament hosted solely by the nation.
