ICC's Written Assurance: India Opts Out of 2025 Pakistan Champions Trophy Amid Tensions

The ICC has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that India will not participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan, citing security concerns. This decision underscores the tense political relationship between the nations, as both cricket boards navigate the implications on future bilateral engagements.

In a significant development, Pakistan media has reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially communicated to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that Team India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This follows information from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about their stance, which stems from longstanding security concerns amid fraught political relations between the two countries.

Since 2008, India has not traveled to Pakistan due to these strained ties. The last bilateral series between the two cricketing giants occurred in 2012-13 in India. The ICC and Asia Cup tournaments remain the only platforms where both nations face off, yet India consistently declines Pakistan tours due to safety worries. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla emphasized earlier this year that an Indian tour to Pakistan hinges on government approval.

Veteran Pakistan commentator Nauman Niaz disclosed on social media that the PCB is adamant in its stance and is contemplating a policy to avoid playing against India in all formats if the situation persists. Naqvi, PCB's chairman, clarified that there had been no formal communication regarding a hybrid model for holding the tournament, although such a model was previously employed for the Asia Cup. As the diplomatic cricket saga unfolds, all eyes remain on the future of India-Pakistan cricketing relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)