Afghanistan Assures Participation in 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a significant boost for hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as Afghanistan has confirmed its participation. This assurance came during the ICC Annual Board Meeting in Colombo, amidst concerns that some countries might follow India’s decision if the BCCI decides not to send its team to Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a major boost in its efforts to successfully host the ICC Champions Trophy early next year, as Afghanistan has confirmed its participation in the tournament.

Afghanistan Cricket Board president Mirwais Ashraf and CEO Naseeb Khan, who attended the ICC Annual Board Meeting in Colombo, assured PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi of their team's participation. This commitment comes despite speculation that some countries might follow India's lead if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides not to send its team to Pakistan for the event.

A former PCB chairman, Khalid Mehmood, had previously suggested that if India boycotts, other teams such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan might join them. However, the ACB officials confirmed during the meeting that Afghanistan is looking forward to competing in the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan in February and March 2025. This will be the first major ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from agencies.)