Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to ICC seeking clarity over India’s refusal to travel.
- PCB insists that the entire 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan.
- ICC informed PCB that BCCI has declined to send India’s team to Pakistan.
- Pakistan has allocated INR 17 billion to upgrade its stadiums.
- If venues are not agreed upon, the trophy might be moved out of Pakistan.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Seeks Clarity on India’s Refusal to Travel
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. PCB has formally requested clarification on India’s stance, asserting that the entire tournament will be hosted in Pakistan, with no plans for a hybrid model.
PCB confirmed receiving communication from ICC, which notified them of BCCI’s decision not to participate in the tournament in Pakistan. The PCB has forwarded this information to the Pakistani government for consideration. This decision from India could cast uncertainty on the tournament’s future, with PCB having allocated INR 17 billion for stadium upgrades in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Previously, PCB rejected rumors about hosting the event in a hybrid model, where games would be divided across two countries. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated Pakistan’s position to hold all matches domestically. If ICC does not agree, the tournament might be moved out of Pakistan entirely.
As of now, the ICC has not confirmed the venues for the tournament, which is tentatively scheduled from February 19 to March 9. Matches are planned in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
