Indian Government to Decide on Cricket Team's Pakistan Tour for Champions Trophy

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has announced that the Indian government will determine whether the national cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. The tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9. The decision will follow the government's policy on international tours.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla announced Monday that the Indian government will make the final decision on whether the national cricket team will travel to Pakistan for next year's Champions Trophy.

Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, the prestigious ICC ODI tournament hangs in the balance pending government approval.

Shukla emphasized, 'No decision has been taken yet. Our policy mandates seeking government permission for international tours. We will abide by whatever the government decides.'

Discussing on the sidelines of the second Test between India and Bangladesh, Shukla underscored the political backdrop affecting India-Pakistan cricket relations. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, following the Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan visited India last year for the ODI World Cup after a seven-year hiatus.

(With inputs from agencies.)