The International Cricket Council (ICC) will meet this Friday to decide the future of the 2025 Champions Trophy, following India’s refusal to play in host nation Pakistan due to security concerns, an ICC spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the ICC informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that India would not participate in the eight-team tournament if it is held in Pakistan, casting uncertainty over the event.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed neighbors, extends to the cricket field, where political tensions have prevented bilateral series for over a decade. They now only face each other in ICC or multi-nation tournaments.
The PCB has rejected the suggestion of shifting India’s matches to a neutral venue, insisting that the full tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, be held on Pakistani soil. Despite the ongoing debate, India’s cricket board has yet to comment publicly on the issue.
Pakistan endured years without hosting international cricket after a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, with international teams resuming tours only in 2020. When Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2023, India’s matches were played outside the country due to similar security concerns.
However, Pakistani cricket authorities have dismissed these fears, highlighting the successful hosting of teams like Australia, England, and South Africa in recent years.
If the Champions Trophy proceeds as planned, it will be the first ICC event held in Pakistan since the country co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
