BCCI: Indian government to decide on team’s participation in Champions Trophy

Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI), has talked about the potential for India’s cricket team to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

This eight-team tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March.

However, the BCCI’s requirement to obtain official government approval for the tour gives rise to the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation.

Recent reports in Indian media, referencing a BCCI source, suggested that the Indian team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Nevertheless, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice confirmed last month that the Champions Trophy 2025 will proceed as planned in Pakistan, putting to rest any rumors about relocating the event to another country.

In an interview with an Indian news channel, Shukla stated that the BCCI is currently awaiting government approval. He emphasized that no decisions have been finalized regarding the tour to Pakistan.

“No decision has been made yet. Our policy is to always seek government permission for international tours,” Shukla explained.

“It is up to the government to determine whether our team should visit any country or refrain from doing so,” the BCCI vice-president added affirming that the board we will comply with the government decision.

It is to be noted that since the Asia Cup in 2008 India has not visited Pakistan mainly, due to enduring political tensions between the two countries.

However, Pakistan has made four trips to India over the past 16 years, with their most recent visit occurring last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup.