Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has claimed that there is a 99.9% chance that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the tournament may be conducted under a hybrid model.
In a recent video circulating on social media, Gupta discussed the upcoming ICC event scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.
According to Gupta, the International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a challenging situation similar to the previous Asia Cup, where logistics and political issues complicated matters. “It is almost certain that India will not travel to Pakistan,” Gupta asserted, emphasizing the urgency for the ICC to devise a workable solution.
The journalist revealed that the ICC is expected to clarify the future of the Champions Trophy during its upcoming meeting in Sri Lanka. Gupta speculated that the Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) would likely reject any proposal to play matches in Pakistan, citing government restrictions. Consequently, the ICC may opt for a hybrid model, where India’s matches and potentially the final would be played in a neutral venue.
Gupta highlighted Sri Lanka and Dubai as potential locations for the neutral games. He noted that Dubai, which previously hosted the Asia Cup due to extreme weather conditions in Sri Lanka, now offers a more favorable climate. If Pakistan wishes to preserve the Champions Trophy as a major event, Gupta argued, it would need to adopt this hybrid model.
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has yet to make an official statement regarding the venue for the Champions Trophy. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla dismissed the rumors of a neutral venue, stating that no official decision had been made and the speculation was unfounded.
Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy for the first time since the 2008 Asia Cup, with matches scheduled from February 19 to March 19 across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. In response to security concerns, all Indian matches are expected to be held in Lahore to facilitate Indian spectators.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in the tournament underscores the broader diplomatic and logistical challenges that have historically affected cricketing ties between the two nations. Since India’s last visit to Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup, no bilateral series has occurred, and recent tensions have led to hybrid models for international tournaments.
