India's Uncertain Participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain as India continues to express reservations about sending its team to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited security concerns as the primary reason for their reluctance.
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh echoed the BCCI's stance, stating that he doesn't expect the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. He emphasized the importance of considering the current situation and prioritizing the safety of the players.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has maintained its position of hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan and has rejected the idea of a hybrid model. This has led to a stalemate, with both sides unwilling to compromise.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called a meeting to discuss the future of the tournament. Various reports suggest that a new formula is being considered, where India and Pakistan would play their matches in Dubai instead of their respective countries. This arrangement would be applicable for the next three years, starting from the Champions Trophy 2025.
However, no official confirmation has been made yet, and the final decision regarding the tournament's venue and format remains pending.