New Delhi: Pakistan is all set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February next year where the top eight teams in the world will compete for the elusive trophy. India will be eyeing another major ICC trophy under skipper Rohit Sharma after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 title last month. India defeated South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados to clinch the trophy.
While BCCI secretary Jay Shah has already confirmed Rohit will lead India in the Champions Trophy 2025, there remain questions over India’s participation in the multi-nation tournament. BCCI is unlikely to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the competition which might lead to the team eventually pulling out if ICC refuses to stage India’s matches at a neutral venue.
India have not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 and the two teams have not played bilateral cricket with each other since 2013 due to strained political relations between the two countries. The Champions Trophy is a significant event for Pakistan as they are set to host a major ICC event for the first time since the 2009 terrorist att attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore.
India and Pakistan have only met each other in the Asia Cup and major ICC events. However, India have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008 and are unlikely to do so for the Champions Trophy 2025. A lot will depend on ICC as far as India’s participation in the tournament is concerned as the global body will have to approve a neutral venue for the Men in Blue.
What happens if India pull out of Champions Trophy?
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla recently stated that the BCCI will follow the Indian government’s instructions on travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The team will travel to the country only if the government permits. With the Indian government highly unlikely to take the risk, there is a chance India might not take part in the tournament.
If India pull out of the Champions Trophy 2025 or don’t take part in the tournament, Sri Lanka will be promoted to the multi-nation tournament as the eighth team. Sri Lanka are currently not part of the Champions Trophy as they finished ninth in the ODI World Cup 2023 which saw them miss out on a spot in the tournament for the first time in its history.
With the BCCI unlikely to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, a lot will depend on ICC as fasr as India’s participation in the major tournament is concerned. But what will happen if India refuse to travel to Pakistan and pull out of Champions Trophy? Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
