Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has clarified that the decision regarding India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan is not for the players to make, stating that the matter lies between both the cricket boards.
Speaking on the situation, Rohit expressed that the team has no issue with traveling to Pakistan if the decision is made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
However, it has been reported that the BCCI has already communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 due to the lack of clearance from the Indian government.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across three venues in Pakistan, with eight teams expected to participate.
Pakistan’s government has responded strongly to India’s stance, with sources in Islamabad confirming that if India refuses to send its team, Pakistan will not play against India in any future tournaments, including the World Cup and Asia Cup, until relations between the two countries improve.
Additionally, Pakistan has expressed its intention to oppose India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, planning to write a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to formally voice its concerns.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been in communication with the government regarding the situation, and the country has firmly rejected any hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025.
In the event that India does not participate, Sri Lanka is being considered as a possible replacement venue for the tournament.
Sources suggest that Pakistan is adamant about hosting the event solely within its borders, further emphasizing that politics should not be involved in sports.
