Government to Decide on India’s Travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated that the Indian government’s approval will be the deciding factor in whether the national cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. This announcement comes amid ongoing political tensions and security concerns between the two neighbouring countries.

India and Pakistan have a long history of cricketing rivalry, but bilateral series between the two nations have been rare since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The last time India toured Pakistan was in 2008, and since then, the teams have only faced each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup.

BCCI’s Stance on Champions Trophy

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla emphasized that any decision regarding international tours is contingent on government clearance. “No decision has been taken yet. However, our policy is that for international tours, we always seek permission from the government. It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or not,” Shukla stated.

Security concerns have been a significant factor in the reluctance to tour Pakistan. The BCCI has previously expressed apprehensions about the safety of players and staff. In light of these concerns, there have been speculations that the BCCI might request the ICC to relocate the tournament to a neutral venue, such as Sri Lanka or Dubai. The recent Asia Cup was played under a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted the remaining games.

Pakistan’s Position

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been firm in its stance against moving the tournament out of Pakistan. Hosting the Champions Trophy is seen as a significant opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its ability to host international events safely. PCB officials have expressed their disappointment at the possibility of relocation and have urged the ICC to support their hosting rights. Pakistan all-rounder Hasan Ali recently stated that the tournament should proceed without India if they choose not to travel.

Government’s Role and Decision-Making Process

The Indian government’s decision will be influenced by various factors, including diplomatic relations, security assessments, and public sentiment. Historically, the government has taken a cautious approach to approving tours to Pakistan, given the complex political landscape. Shukla reiterated that the BCCI would abide by whatever decision the government makes. “In this case, whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that,” he added.

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