India 'Unlikely' To Travel Pakistan For Champions Trophy 2025: MEA

The hosting of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan remains uncertain after India's decision not to travel to the neighboring country.

PCB has firmly opposed the idea of hosting the mega event under a hybrid model.

Source : PTI

Uncertainty persists over Team India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with the issue now drawing attention from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Speaking at a press conference on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the BCCI has expressed concerns over the safety of players in Pakistan. He stated, "The BCCI has indicated that the team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns."

The hosting of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan remains uncertain after India's decision not to travel to the neighboring country. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has firmly opposed the idea of hosting the mega event under a hybrid model, leaving the tournament's fate hanging in the balance.

"The BCCI has issued a statement. They have said that there are security concerns there, and therefore, it is unlikely that the team will be going there," Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly press briefing today, ANI reported.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Indian cricket team participating in Pakistan, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "... The BCCI has issued a statement... They have said that there are security concerns there and therefore it is unlikely that the team will be going there..." pic.twitter.com/qRJPYPejZd

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024

Reports suggest that the Indian government has denied BCCI permission to send the cricket team to Pakistan, citing security risks and tense diplomatic ties between the nations.

To put an end to the deadlock, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will hold a virtual meeting with BCCI and PCB. A hybrid model was proposed, under which India's league matches, semifinals, and final could be played at neutral venues.

However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly opposed this idea, insisting that all matches of Champions Trophy 2025 be hosted solely in Pakistan, at venues such as Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

During Asia Cup 2023, a hybrid model was adopted, with India playing its matches at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka. However, PCB has opposed a similar setup for 2025 Champions Trophy, maintaining that all matches should be hosted solely in Pakistan.