Photo Credit: ICC
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed reports of a proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to facilitate India’s return to Chandigarh or Delhi after each match during the Champions Trophy 2025.
The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will be held at three venues: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
A report claimed that Pakistan had offered assistance with India’s travel due to uncertainty over India’s willingness to stay in the country throughout the tournament. However, a report cited a BCCI official who denied receiving such a proposal from the PCB. The official also stated that even if an offer had been made, the BCCI would reject it.
The BCCI reaffirmed that any decision regarding India’s participation in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy depends on the Government of India.
India is scheduled to play its matches in Lahore, with one likely in Rawalpindi, on February 20, 23, and March 2, 2025.
While uncertainty remains, no official decision has been made on whether India will travel to Pakistan or if the International Cricket Council (ICC) will adopt a hybrid model, as seen in previous tournaments.
India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, but political tensions have since halted bilateral cricket ties. The two teams now only face each other during ICC events.
The PCB, meanwhile, continues its preparations to host the tournament as planned.
Speculation about improving diplomatic relations arose after India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited Pakistan for the 2024 SCO summit, though no discussions on cricket or India’s participation in Pakistan were reported during the visit.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
