Tensions are escalating as India remains unwilling to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been instructed by its government to hold all matches exclusively within Pakistan. This comes in response to India’s stance, which has added to the growing rift between the cricket boards of both nations.
A PCB official disclosed, “Our government has directed us to keep the tournament in Pakistan only. No matches will be shifted elsewhere. We have communicated this position to the ICC.” The ICC was informed by India that they do not plan to play in Pakistan due to security concerns. However, Pakistan has pushed back, emphasizing that they are the designated hosts and intend to uphold that role.
The possibility of using a hybrid model, as seen in the last Asia Cup, has been rejected by Pakistan. A cricket official stressed, “We are not open to the hybrid model. We are hosting the Champions Trophy, and all games will be held here.”
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called for firm action from the ICC. He proposed that both India and Pakistan face suspension for political interference in cricket. Citing past examples, he said, “The ICC suspended Zimbabwe in 2019 and Sri Lanka in 2023. Why not India and Pakistan? The ICC needs to apply the same standard.”
Latif added, “The ICC benefits greatly from India and Pakistan. This is why they haven’t been suspended. This double standard must stop.” He also highlighted that Pakistan should consider halting cricketing relations with India. “If India refuses to play in Pakistan, then Pakistan should refuse to play against India anywhere,” Latif said.
India has consistently cited security concerns as the reason for not playing in Pakistan. However, Latif dismissed this argument, pointing out that ICC officials have visited and approved security arrangements in Pakistan without complaint. He argued, “If security was truly an issue, India should have communicated their concerns in writing.”
Since 2008, India and Pakistan have only competed in ICC and Asian tournaments, having halted bilateral series. Latif stated that ending cricket ties with India would not significantly harm Pakistan’s cricket. “Pakistan endured 12 years without home matches, which was the hardest period. Playing or not playing with India won’t damage our cricket,” he asserted.
He called on the PCB to stand firm and prioritize Pakistan’s position. “The board must understand that other nations are willing to play in Pakistan. We won’t face financial loss even without India,” Latif concluded.
Meanwhile, the ICC is reportedly considering alternative venues for matches involving India. The UAE is being seen as a potential host, although no official decision has been made. The cricketing body remains in active discussions with both boards to find a solution.
Pakistan’s government has reaffirmed that it will not compromise on hosting. The country insists that the Champions Trophy remain solely within its borders, setting the stage for continued tension with India.
India May Skip Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy, Likely to Request ICC for Hybrid Venue Option
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