Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla gave a massive update on India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. He said that they have not made any decision and everything will depend on the government’s decision.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan in February-March. One of the main issues revolving around the tournament is the participation of the Indian team in the event, especially when it is scheduled to be played in Pakistan.

The Men in Blue have not traveled to Pakistan in a long time. This is due to political tensions between the two nations since 2008 following the Mumbai terror attacks. They continued to play in bilaterals from 2012-13 but after that it also stopped as they only play in Asia Cup and ICC tournaments.

There have been many reports of late stating that the BCCI is not interested in sending the team to Pakistan. It is learned that the tournament could be played in a hybrid model, with the UAE emerging as the main venue to host India’s games, just as it did in the Asia Cup 2023.

During the Asia Cup 2023, organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board, India’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka while some of the other matches will be played in Pakistan. It was learned that something similar will happen this time too. But the PCB quashed all the reports.

They have been strict and have mentioned that the entire tournament will be played in Pakistan. The governing body also reportedly stated that even if the Rohit Sharma-led team does not want to travel, it will organize the tournament without them.

No decision made: Rajeev Shukla gives update on India’s trip to Pakistan

Amidst all the hubbub, Rajeev Shukla gave an update on the team’s trip to Pakistan. He said they will have to ask the government for permission and will follow any instructions they receive. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the second IND vs BAN test, he explained:

“No decision has been made (yet). But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek permission from the government. It is up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or not. In this case (also), “Whatever the government decides, we will comply.”

The ICC Champions Trophy will be held from March 19 to 9. According to the preliminary schedule, Lahore will host seven matches, five will be played in Rawalpindi and three are scheduled for Karachi.

The draft schedule also suggests that the Men in Blue will play all matches in Lahore. Reports also mentioned that India vs Pakistan will take place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 1.