Photo Credit: Facebook Profile Photo of Rajeev Shukla
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has indicated that Team India may travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, pending government approval, despite ongoing uncertainty about the visit.
Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction on Sunday, Shukla emphasized that government authorization is crucial for the Indian cricket team’s travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
Regarding the potential withdrawal of Pakistan from the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, Shukla remarked that they are entitled to express their opinions as they wish.
“Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government,” said Shukla, addressing the possibility of Pakistan withdrawing from the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.
A senior BCCI official recognized the potential for retaliation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if India decides not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But the PCB should understand that it’s not in the BCCI’s hands. Sending a team to a foreign country requires the Indian government’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding the Champions Trophy, but we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” the senior BCCI official said.
The Champions Trophy is set for February-March 2025 in Pakistan, but India’s participation remains uncertain. The BCCI has reportedly requested the ICC to either relocate the event or hold India’s matches at a neutral venue. In response, the PCB has asked for written proof from the BCCI if India cites security concerns.
The tournament is scheduled to start in Karachi on February 19, with the final in Lahore on March 9 and matches also in Rawalpindi. A reserve day for the final is set for March 10 in case of bad weather.
