PCB likely to host CT 2025 without India [Source: @_FaridKhan/x]
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will reportedly propose the 2025 Champions Trophy without Team India as one of its competitors. As per sources, the PCB may write a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) within the next couple of days considering the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed its refusal of sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the eight-team event.
It is worth noting that no Indian team has travelled to Pakistan since 2008 owing to the prevailing geo-political tensions shared between the two countries.
PCB to host Champions Trophy 2025 without India?
The BCCI and the Indian government have repeatedly expressed their reluctance in sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan. Even back in mid-2023 during the 2023 Asia Cup, Team India played all their matches in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was originally designated as sole host of the tournament.
Over the past few months, several emerging reports have indicated that the BCCI has been asking for a similar hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with India’s matches to be hosted either by Sri Lanka or UAE. However, the PCB has maintained its stance of hosting the tournament in its entirety within Pakistan borders itself.
As reported by GeoSuper, sources close to the PCB are now indicating that Pakistan might well host the 2025 Champions Trophy without India’s participation.
The Champions Trophy, making its return to ICC folklore after a gap of eight years, will be organised in February and March next year. In case of India’s absence, Sri Lanka will be added as the replacement participant. As many as eight teams will be competing in the three-week long tournament and matches are slated to be held in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.