Amid ongoing tension, BCCI confirmed that the India team won’t travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) received an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirming that Men in Blue is not interested in participating in the ICC tournament if Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy.
Recently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the “hybrid model” is not even an option for them, The Pakistan government reportedly even instructed the PCB to withdraw from the tournament if ICC proposes a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. Rumours were ICC may shift the whole tournament to South Africa but PCB is adamant about hosting the event in Pakistan and the cricket board conducted a “trophy tour” in the parts of highly disputed parts of PoK.
Despite all the tensions and rumors, PCB posted on social media X stating, “Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November.”
Get ready, Pakistan!
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24… pic.twitter.com/SmsV5uyzlL
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2024
In another update, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Foreign Office said, “There is no back channel with India to specifically discuss the Champions Trophy and bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India.”
The Champions Trophy is scheduled for 19 February 2025, but the ICC is yet to reveal any schedule or confirm the status of the hosts.
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.
