The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not backed down from its stance regarding India’s reluctance to play the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. According to reports from the Indian Express and other media outlets, the PCB is demanding a written explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about why they refuse to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
Earlier, the BCCI informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Instead, India proposed playing its matches in Dubai or other venues. However, the PCB, with support from the Pakistan government, remains determined to keep the tournament in Pakistan. A PCB official stated, “Our government has instructed us not to move any game out of Pakistan, and that will be our stand when the time comes.” We have the hosting rights, so there’s no way we can move the games.”
The PCB has also responded to the ICC’s request for clarification on India’s decision. They have sent a questionnaire to the BCCI, seeking a detailed explanation for their stance. The PCB has emphasized that no discussions are taking place regarding shifting the event outside Pakistan at this stage.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will start on February 19 and run until March 9, with matches set in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. This tournament is particularly significant for Pakistan, as it last hosted an ICC event in 1996, the 50-over World Cup. It remains to be seen if India will change its stance on traveling to Pakistan for the event.
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