The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. According to top BCCI sources, this decision will be officially announced once the tournament schedule is finalized, as reported by India Today.
After an eight-year hiatus, the Champions Trophy will return in 2025, featuring the top eight international teams. Pakistan holds the hosting rights, and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi has repeatedly emphasized that if India wants to compete, they must play in Pakistan.
BCCI Informs India Won’t Travel Pakistan
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to host the ICC Champions Trophy in a ‘hybrid model,’ following the BCCI’s notification to the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan. Instead, India is expected to play all its matches in Dubai, including the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash.
According to a BCCI source, it is now up to the ICC to notify Pakistan and proceed with tournament scheduling, which typically occurs 100 days before the event begins. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as a federal interior minister, stated that while the PCB has not yet received official communication from the ICC or BCCI, he will consult the government for guidance if India does not travel to Pakistan.
Dubai, with its large-capacity stadiums and established infrastructure (having recently hosted the Women’s T20 World Cup), is considered the best venue for India’s matches.
A senior BCCI source has confirmed that they have informed the ICC verbally about their decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“While we’ve communicated verbally, we will soon send an official email to the ICC detailing the government’s directive not to travel to Pakistan,” the BCCI source shared.
When India Today reached out to the ICC for further clarification, an ICC source responded that they would officially confirm India’s participation after finalizing the tournament schedule.
“The schedule is still under discussion with the host and participating nations. Once confirmed, we’ll make an announcement through our usual channels,” the ICC source added.
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PCB Dismisses Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy
Earlier reported, India would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and instead plans to play its matches under a hybrid model in the UAE.
In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dismissed media claims suggesting it had agreed to host the Champions Trophy in a hybrid format that would let India play at a neutral venue. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for official communication from India, expressing that despite media reports, no formal request had been received regarding India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan.
“We need written confirmation if India has concerns about traveling to Pakistan. We’ve seen reports in Indian media, but nothing official has reached us. The ICC has also not conveyed anything from the BCCI,” Naqvi stated on November 8 while inspecting renovations at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Naqvi reiterated that the PCB has not discussed any hybrid model and would prefer to keep sports separate from political matters. “Our preparations for the Champions Trophy are progressing as planned. If India decides to withdraw, we will consult with our government and respond accordingly. We have maintained a cordial relationship with the BCCI on multiple occasions,” he added.
A PCB source told that Pakistan intends to host the tournament across three venues—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, rejecting the idea of a hybrid model. This update comes amid anticipation that the International Cricket Council (ICC) may announce the Champions Trophy schedule on November 11, although the venues for the eight-team event have yet to be confirmed.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why is India not traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy?
Ans. India cited government directives and security concerns, leading to the decision to play matches at a neutral venue instead of Pakistan.
Q.2. What is the hybrid model proposed for the Champions Trophy?
Ans. The hybrid model suggests that while Pakistan hosts the tournament, India would play its matches at a neutral venue, likely in Dubai.
Q.3. Has the ICC confirmed the Champions Trophy schedule and venue?
Ans. The ICC is expected to finalize and announce the Champions Trophy schedule soon, with discussions ongoing regarding venue details.
Q.4. What did the PCB say about the hybrid model?
Ans. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated they have not agreed to a hybrid model and await official communication from India or the ICC regarding this arrangement.
Q.5. Where are India’s Champions Trophy matches likely to be held?
Ans. India’s Champions Trophy matches are likely to be held in Dubai due to their decision not to travel to Pakistan.
