Rohit Sharma of India and Babar Azam of Pakistan during toss | Source: X.com
In the latest turn of events, it has been reported that Pakistan’s hopes of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have taken a hit as the Indian cricket team is not ready to travel to Pakistan for the major ICC event.
Notably, Pakistan is the official host for the Champions Trophy 2025, and while all the other teams, including Australia, England, and New Zealand, have agreed to visit Pakistan and have done so in the past, India does not travel to Pakistan due to political tensions.
The Indian cricket team last visited Pakistan in 2008. Since then, the strained relations between the two countries have prevented any bilateral series, restricting their encounters to the Asia Cup and ICC events.
Last year, Pakistan was the designated host for the Asia Cup 2023, but after India refused to travel, the tournament adopted a hybrid model, with India playing all its matches in Sri Lanka.
As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, a similar hybrid model is being considered. With India not willing to travel to Pakistan, it is expected that their matches will be held in Dubai, which has three international stadiums. This situation raises questions about Pakistan’s response, especially since the Pakistan cricket team participated in the ODI World Cup 2023 hosted by India.
Pakistan to Make Special Arrangements for the Indian Team
In an effort to address logistical challenges, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi submitted a report to the ICC, proposing that all of India’s matches be held in Lahore to minimise travel and other complications.
Despite this offer, India appears unconvinced about travelling to Pakistan. While official confirmation is pending, the likelihood of India playing in Pakistan remains slim, given the historical context of their bilateral relations.
