Reports: India still reluctant on travelling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam. (Source – Getty Images)

With the next edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Pakistan in 2025 there are some potential hurdles for the host nation. Recent reports suggest that India, a key participant, may not travel to the neighbouring country for the tournament, leading to discussions about a possible hybrid model for the event.

The Champions Trophy, returning to the cricket calendar for the first time since 2017, is scheduled for February-March 2025. Having secured the hosting rights, Pakistan submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC) last month.

However, the proposed plan, which includes India’s matches in Lahore, is now under scrutiny due to geopolitical considerations.

According to sources close to the matter, it is highly unlikely that the Indian team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. This development has prompted cricket authorities to consider alternative arrangements, potentially adopting a hybrid model similar to the one used for the 2023 Asia Cup.

“It is highly unlikely that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, but the government will take a final. So, in that case, a hybrid model is being worked out. India may play their UAE or Sri Lanka matches just like the Asia Cup. Although ICC will also have their stand on it, as of now this is what we are thinking of. Let’s see how things go in the future. As of now, it looks like it will be played in a hybrid model,” the source was quoted as saying by India Today.

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The proposed hybrid model would see some matches, particularly those involving India, being held in either the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka. This arrangement would allow the tournament to proceed while addressing security concerns and political sensitivities.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to approach the ICC to discuss venue changes. As reported by News18, there is a possibility that the entire tournament could be moved to Dubai or Sri Lanka if an agreement cannot be reached on the hybrid model.

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It is worth noting that India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and bilateral series between the two nations have been rare, with the last one occurring in 2012-13. The recent Asia Cup in 2023 saw a similar situation, where India’s matches were relocated to Sri Lanka due to political tensions.