BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has suggested that the Indian cricket team might visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, contingent on government approval.
Addressing participants of the Uttar Pradesh Premier League, Shukla indicated that the team could tour Pakistan if permitted by the government, while Pakistan remains free to decide its participation in the 2026 ODI World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Shukla acknowledged the possibility of Pakistan’s reaction if India declines to travel. He noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might retaliate if India skips the tournament. Despite potential threats of Pakistan boycotting the Asia Cup in India, Shukla emphasised that the decision lies with the Indian government, not the BCCI.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025. However, discussions are ongoing about the venue and participating teams, with the BCCI favoring a hybrid or neutral venue model. Conversely, the PCB insists on hosting the entire event in Pakistan, leaving the responsibility of bringing the Indian team to the ICC.
Indian media reports that a top BCCI official stated they are in communication with the government, and if approval isn’t granted, the ICC must relocate their matches to a neutral venue. The official highlighted that government approval is mandatory for international tours, and they continue to seek clearance for the Champions Trophy without a positive response so far.
Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025 may face challenges if India opts out, potentially leading to Pakistan’s boycott of future ICC events in India. The BCCI has expressed concerns that if India does not send its team, Pakistan might refuse to participate in the next three tournaments scheduled in India.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan men’s U19 cricket team is gearing up to compete against Afghanistan and hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a 50-over tri-series scheduled from November 13 to 26.
The tri-series will feature a double-league format, with Pakistan taking on the UAE in the opening match. The venue for the matches will be confirmed later. The top two teams from the series will advance to the final on November 26.
This tri-series serves as a preparatory stage for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024, providing the participating teams with a valuable opportunity to finalise their strategies and fine-tune their skills ahead of the major tournament. The details of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup will be announced by the ACC in due course.
In addition to the tri-series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) National U19 Cup (one-day) and Championship (three-day) will commence in October. These events are expected to offer emerging cricketers platforms to showcase their talent and secure their places for the tri-series and the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup.
PCB Director International, Usman Wahla, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming series: “We are delighted that the Pakistan Men’s U19 team will be participating in this highly competitive U19 tri-series in the UAE. It presents a tremendous opportunity for our young players to enhance their skills and gain valuable experience.”
Wahla also highlighted the collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board: “The PCB is thankful to the Emirates Cricket Board for arranging this tri-series, which also shows strong bilateral ties between both Boards and our shared commitment towards developing young players.”
This tri-series serves as a preparatory stage for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024, providing the participating teams with a valuable opportunity to finalise their strategies and fine-tune their skills ahead of the major tournament. The details of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup will be announced by the ACC in due course.
