Will Team India visit Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy? PCB Chairman replied

The cricket world is abuzz with speculations about the Indian cricket team’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed reservations about sending its team to Pakistan, mainly citing security concerns. In response, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is hopeful that Team India will cross the border.

PCB Chairman’s stand on India’s participation in 2025 Champions Trophy

Despite the uncertainty, Naqvi remains optimistic, guiding preparations for the tournament under the assumption that India will indeed participate. The PCB already has it sent a draft schedule and security arrangements at the ICC, emphasizing their readiness to host the event.

In a recent statement, Naqvi expressed confidence that India would finally decide to send its team. Speaking to the media, Naqvi said, “Indian team mujhe puri umeed hai… Abhi tak koi aisi cheej nahi hai jiski wajah sewoko postpone karey cancel karey. Toh sari groups are not attractive [I am fully confident about the Indian team… So far, there is nothing that would cause them to postpone or cancel. So, all the teams will come].”

Chairman @TheRealPCB @MohsinnaqviC42 to @BCCI Indian team taking the Champions trophy 🏆 #India pic.twitter.com/iAAKOViDhP

– Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) October 6, 2024

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An ICC inspection team is expected to visit Pakistan soon to inspect the arrangements.

Jay Shah’s role as ICC Chairman

Appointment of Jay Shah as the new ICC Chairman added another layer of complexity to the situation. With Shah’s influence on Indian cricket governance, there are concerns within the PCB about possible matches being moved to neutral venues if India pulls out of Pakistan. However, Naqvi has made it public that there is no objection from the PCB regarding Shah’s new role and emphasized the continuous communication between the two boards.

As preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy continue, all eyes will be on the BCCI’s final decision. PCB is well aware of what is involved and is working hard behind the scenes to ensure a successful tournament. With Mohsin Naqvi at the helm, the PCB is taking a measured approach while hoping for a positive outcome in terms of India’s participation.

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