The International Cricket Council (ICC) has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), confirming the unavailability of the Indian cricket team for the Champions Trophy 2025, this could prompt a strong response from the Pakistani government potentially leading them to ask their team to withdraw from the tournament.
The Champions Trophy returning to the ICC Calendar for the first time since 2017, could be turned into a “hybrid model” with India playing all the matches in Dubai. Pakistan is the defending Champions of the tournament. They won the final against arch-rivals India in 2017.
The report states that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi “has dismissed the option” of a hybrid model, which could lead the ICC to relocate the entire tournament out of Pakistan. This could result in Pakistan withdrawing from the Champions Trophy 2025.
“In such a case, one of the options the government is mulling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan doesn’t participate in the Champions Trophy,” the report quoted.
India and Pakistan haven’t played any bilateral series since 2012, Pakistan hosted Asia Cup 2023 in a hybrid model where India played all the matches in Sri Lanka.
Read more: “It’s a Joke”: Javed Miandad and Inzamam Lash Out Over India’s Champions Trophy Decision
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
