The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has become a focal point of discussion, especially around the participation of India and Pakistan’s stance as the host nation. Scheduled to kick off on February 19, 2025, the tournament will culminate in the final match on March 9, with Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi designated as the host cities. The Pakistan government has reportedly advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to stand firm and keep all matches within Pakistan, despite India’s request to have their games held in a neutral venue like Dubai.
This development follows the recent communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the PCB, informing them of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to cross the border for the Champions Trophy. According to sources, BCCI has expressed its preference for a neutral venue, pointing towards Dubai as a potential location for India’s games.
However, Pakistan is not inclined to concede to this demand. A PCB official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized their stance: “Our government has directed us not to move any games out of Pakistan, and this will be our position when the time comes. We have been granted the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, so there is no reason for us to shift games outside our borders.”
In response to the BCCI’s decision, the PCB has reportedly sent a letter back to the ICC. Within it, the PCB has requested clarity from the BCCI, asking them to elaborate on the reasons behind their refusal to play in Pakistan. The official added, “The ICC reached out last week to inform us about India’s position. We replied with a questionnaire, seeking explanations from the BCCI. We’re interested in understanding their decision-making process, and as of now, moving games is not being considered.”
Background: The India-Pakistan Cricket Stand-Off
The ongoing impasse between the two cricket boards is reminiscent of the tense lead-up to the 2023 Asia Cup, where a similar deadlock occurred. India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, while Pakistan, holding hosting rights, was reluctant to move any games outside its territory. In the end, however, Pakistan made a concession and India’s matches were shifted to Sri Lanka, allowing the tournament to proceed.
India and Pakistan share a long and often contentious political history, which has seeped into their cricketing relationship over the years. The two nations haven’t met in a bilateral cricket series since 2013, with most of their encounters now limited to ICC or other multi-nation tournaments. India last visited Pakistan for a cricket tour over 16 years ago, making the Champions Trophy a significant event if it were to involve an Indian visit.
Potential for Diplomatic Breakthrough
The tensions surrounding the Champions Trophy come amidst some hope for diplomatic progress. Last month, there was a notable meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad. It was the first high-level meeting between the two nations since 2015, raising optimism for improved relations and, perhaps, a willingness to revisit and resolve sporting ties.
For now, both the BCCI and PCB stand firm in their respective positions. While India remains unwilling to play within Pakistani borders, Pakistan is equally resolute in its decision to host all games domestically. As the start date for the Champions Trophy inches closer, the ICC will likely play a central role in mediating between the two cricketing giants to determine whether a compromise can be reached or if India’s games will indeed be moved to a neutral venue.