Reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to host India’s matches for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI communicated that the Indian government has advised against sending the team to Pakistan for the eight-team event, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This development has prompted the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider alternative arrangements, likely involving a hybrid model where India would play its matches at a different venue while the rest of the competition is hosted in Pakistan.
Despite PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent statement dismissing any discussion of a hybrid model for the tournament, ESPNCricinfo notes that contingency plans have been prepared for such a scenario. The UAE is seen as the leading option due to its geographical proximity to Pakistan, while Sri Lanka is also being considered.
The ICC was reportedly informed of the BCCI’s position earlier this week, although it is unclear if this was done orally or in writing. The ICC may require an official written statement from the BCCI before conveying the information to the PCB. Naqvi has stated that any formal objections from the BCCI must be documented and shared with the Pakistani government before a final decision is made.
The ICC has yet to release the schedule and ticketing details for the Champions Trophy. The announcement event, planned for next week in Lahore, is expected to be delayed due to these developments.
Political tensions have strained cricket relations between India and Pakistan for years, with India last visiting Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. The most recent bilateral series between the two teams was in 2012-13 in India. Since then, the arch-rivals have only faced each other in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments.
