Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), has recently answered the burning question on every cricket fan’s: Will Team India actually travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
The eight-team event is scheduled to be played in Pakistan and all the participants have confirmed their participation, except India.
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Waiting for the Green Light
Raji Shukla, during an interview, addressed the swirling speculation about India’s participation in the tournament. He made it clear that the BCCI is waiting on the government’s go-ahead before making any decisions.
“No decision has been taken yet,” he stated. “Our policy is that for international tours, we always seek permission from the government.”
Shukla stressed that the final call on whether the Indian team will tour Pakistan rests with the government. “It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country,” he added.
A Long History of Tension
It’s worth noting that India last visited Pakistan in July 2008 for the Asia Cup. In the 16 years since, Pakistan has traveled to India three times: once for a bilateral series in 2012-2013, and twice for the T20 World Cup in 2016 and the ODI World Cup in 2023.
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The Champions Trophy is tentatively scheduled from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day set for March 10. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 5 and 6 in Karachi and Rawalpindi respectively. Meanwhile, Lahore will host the final on March 9.
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the BCCI and the Indian government. Will the Indian team finally take the field in Pakistan? It’s anyone’s guess, and only time will tell!
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