Pakistan is considering legal action against India’s refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy on Pakistani soil. Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to resolve the dispute.
The issue stems from India’s long-standing refusal to play bilateral cricket series with Pakistan due to political tensions. While Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain.
Media reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a “hybrid” solution, where India would play its matches in Dubai. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied any such communication and insists that all matches must be held in Pakistan.
The BCCI has reportedly informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The ICC is expected to inform Pakistan about this development and finalize the tournament schedule accordingly.
Naqvi has stated that if India does not participate in Pakistan, he will consult with the government for further instructions. Dubai is considered a suitable alternative venue for India’s matches due to its large stadium capacity and recent hosting of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The PCB’s stance is supported by the fact that Pakistan has successfully hosted international cricket matches in recent years, including the 2022 Pakistan Super League final and the 2023 PSL matches in Karachi and Lahore.
The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of cricket between India and Pakistan. If CAS rules in favor of Pakistan, it could force India to reconsider its stance on bilateral series. Conversely, if CAS dismisses Pakistan’s case, it could further strain relations between the two cricket boards.
