• BCCI awaits government clearance for Pakistan tour.
• Pakistan may retaliate if India doesn’t participate.
• PCB demands formal confirmation of Indian government’s stance.

Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI Vice President, has hinted at the possibility of India’s cricket team visiting Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, subject to approval from the Indian government, amidst prevailing uncertainties about the tour.

During his address at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction, Shukla stressed the importance of obtaining government clearance for the Indian squad’s journey to Pakistan for the event.

On the topic of Pakistan potentially withdrawing from the 2026 T20 World Cup set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Shukla stated that they have the liberty to voice their stance as desired.

“Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government,” Shukla articulated.

In addition, a high-ranking BCCI official recognized the likelihood of the PCB reacting if India opts out of the Pakistan tour for the forthcoming championship.

“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands. Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” the senior BCCI official expressed.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in February-March 2025. The debate over India’s participation has been ongoing since the announcement of the event. The BCCI is said to have appealed to the ICC to relocate the Champions Trophy from Pakistan or to arrange India’s games at a neutral location.

The PCB, in turn, has sought formal documentation from the BCCI confirming the Indian government’s refusal if security concerns are cited as the rationale for not partaking in the tournament.

As per the planned itinerary, the Champions Trophy is set to kick off in Karachi on February 19, culminating with the final in Lahore on March 9, and includes multiple fixtures in Rawalpindi. Additionally, March 10 is designated as a reserve day for the final, should adverse weather conditions arise.

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