The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following India’s announcement that it will not send its cricket team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This stance has sparked concerns over the tournament’s future, which is set to be held in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi from February 19 to March 9.
The ICC informed the PCB last week of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision, attributing the refusal to a lack of government clearance from New Delhi. The PCB, in response, questioned India’s rationale, pointing out that several international teams, including England, New Zealand, and Australia, have toured Pakistan in recent years without incident. The PCB noted that Pakistan also recently participated in the ODI World Cup in India, and it had anticipated similar reciprocity from the Indian side.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed disappointment, reiterating Pakistan’s readiness to host the tournament and rejecting suggestions of a “hybrid model” that would see India playing at a neutral venue, such as the UAE. “Almost every country wants the tournament to be played in Pakistan, and it will be disappointing if they don’t come,” Naqvi remarked, emphasizing that Pakistan’s standing as a secure host has been established through multiple successful tours by other cricketing nations.
The PCB’s firm stance has delayed the release of the tournament schedule, initially expected this week. If the ICC decides to move the tournament out of Pakistan, South Africa and the UAE have been mentioned as potential alternative venues. However, the PCB has signaled its unwillingness to accept security concerns as a justification for India’s refusal, highlighting that the BCCI’s suggestion to play at a neutral venue undermines Pakistan’s status as the event’s host.
This development reflects ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, which have prevented bilateral cricket since 2012. Cricket encounters between the two countries have since been limited to ICC tournaments and neutral venues, with their storied rivalry drawing one of the largest viewerships in sports.
Naqvi urged that sports should not be politicized, assuring that Pakistan would extend all necessary facilities and security for visiting teams. The PCB has hinted at potential reciprocal actions, suggesting it may reconsider participating in events held in India if the Champions Trophy is relocated.