The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to host a major event for the first time since 1996, with the 2025 Champions Trophy. This eight-team tournament will be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025. While most teams have confirmed their participation, India remains an exception due to their stance against traveling to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet made an official statement regarding playing in Pakistan, raising concerns within the PCB.
Famous Pakistan news Channel, Geo News has reported that the PCB insists all matches should be played in Pakistan. If India refuses to travel, Pakistan might boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. An ICC meeting scheduled in Sri Lanka from July 19 to 22 is expected to provide an official update on India’s decision. Notably, India did not travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, which was held in a hybrid model with India’s matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan had to visit India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the team, led by Babar Azam, performed poorly and was eliminated in the league stage. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013. India last visited Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup, with no bilateral series in Pakistan since 2006. Currently, the two teams only meet in ICC events and Asia Cups.
In addition to the ICC meeting, fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement from the PCB regarding the next Pakistan captain. The team currently lacks a designated ODI captain, and the new captain will lead in the home event. Pakistan has been without an ODI captain since the 2023 World Cup. Shan Masood is the current Test captain, while Babar Azam is the T20I captain, though he may be replaced after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
BCCI proposed Hybrid Model for CT 2025: Sources
Both cricket boards have not commented on the issue, but rumours suggest India may avoid travelling to Pakistan for the upcoming tournament. Reports indicate that the BCCI has asked the ICC to consider changing the tournament venue or scheduling India’s matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka instead.
Pic: Geonews
According to cricket bet pro media sources, the ICC is exploring backup plans if the BCCI refuses to send the team to Pakistan. Discussions on India’s concerns are expected during the upcoming ICC annual conference in Colombo from July 19 to 22. The report also mentions the possibility of a “contingency budget” for holding Champions Trophy matches outside Pakistan, with Dubai being a potential venue.
As a result of PCB and BCCI controversies regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy, the viewers are also looking into other facets of cricket for interest, the likes of betting. Nowadays, cricket fans, including cricket lovers, are paying much attention to such applications as the Online IPL betting. These applications help fans explore the sport in ways they have not experienced before, and in relation to that, they can enter betting and prediction platforms to wager on the matches, which gives an additional thrilling experience to a fan. As talks regarding the possibility to shift the venue of the Champions Trophy continue the bettors can turn to these creative platforms to enjoy the game.
Cover Pic: elitabdorothea