The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year, but there is still uncertainty about whether the Indian team will tour Pakistan. According to media reports, the BCCI has informed the ICC that it will not tour Pakistan, as it has not received permission from the Indian government. The ICC then communicated this to the Pakistan Cricket Board, which requested a written statement from the ICC regarding India’s decision. Now, the ICC has asked India to provide a written explanation for not touring Pakistan.
ICC Requests Written Explanation from BCCI
According to a report from Pakistan’s Geo News, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a written explanation regarding its decision to refuse to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI had initially informed the ICC verbally about its decision, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to request India’s written response.
BCCI Needs to Provide Valid Grounds
As per ICC rules, the Indian board must provide solid reasons for not participating in the tournament in Pakistan. The BCCI’s refusal to tour Pakistan comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, resulting in no bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2012. The two teams have only faced each other in ICC tournaments for over a decade.
As per reports, ICC asks BCCI for a written explanation on refusing to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 #championtrophy2025
— Uzair (@uzair_khakh) November 15, 2024
Pakistan’s Preparations for Champions Trophy
Pakistan had made extensive preparations for the Champions Trophy, upgrading stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Despite this, Pakistan is not willing to adopt a hybrid model, where some matches would be played outside the country.
India’s Conditions for Playing
While the Indian Board is willing to participate in the Champions Trophy, Team India has insisted on playing its matches in Dubai. If India reaches the final, they want the final to also be played in Dubai. However, Pakistan has rejected this proposal, leading to a delay in announcing the schedule for the tournament.
ICC to Review India’s Reasons
Geo News reports that if the ICC receives a written response from India, Pakistan may request sufficient evidence to support the reasons. After reviewing the explanation, the ICC will make a final decision regarding India’s participation. Sources indicate that if the BCCI fails to provide a valid reason, India may be asked to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Potential Financial Impact of India’s Non-Participation
If India refuses to participate without a valid reason, another team may replace India in the Champions Trophy. The ICC stands to lose $500 million in revenue from broadcast rights, advertisements, and sponsorships due to India’s non-participation. Additionally, the Indian board is estimated to lose $100 million in revenue.