Chandigarh: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed a reported proposal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to facilitate India’s travel back to Chandigarh or Delhi after each match in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
The tournament is scheduled to take place across three venues—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—spanning from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Pakistan offered to assist India in flying back after every game due to uncertainty surrounding India’s willingness to stay in the neighboring country for the duration of the tournament.
However, a report from Dainik Jagran cited a BCCI official who refuted the claims, stating that the board had received no such proposal from the PCB. The official also clarified that even if such an offer were made, the BCCI would reject it.
The board reiterated its long-standing position that any decision regarding India’s participation in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy rests with the Government of India.
India is set to play all its Champions Trophy matches in Lahore, with one additional match likely in Rawalpindi. The fixtures are scheduled for February 20, 23, and March 2, 2025.
Despite the uncertainty, no formal decision has been made on whether India will travel to Pakistan or if the International Cricket Council (ICC) will implement a hybrid model, as seen in previous tournaments.
India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, but political tensions between the two countries have prevented bilateral cricket ties ever since. Currently, the teams only meet during ICC events.
Meanwhile, the PCB remains determined to host the tournament as planned and continues its preparations.
Speculation about improved diplomatic relations had arisen after India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited Pakistan recently for the 2024 SCO summit.
However, no discussions about cricket or India’s potential participation in Pakistan were mentioned during the visit.
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