International tournaments are around the corner, and one event that is buzzing on Social Media is: Will India Participate in Champions Trophy 2025? The Champions Trophy 2025 is officially set to take place in Pakistan, the host nation for the coveted event. However, one thing that has become news is India’s participation in the 50-over ICC event. The fans of the host nation have taken to social media to express their displeasure with BCCI’s stand on the travel plans of the Indian cricket team to Pakistan.
The ICC Champions Trophy, a premier cricket tournament, showcases intense battles among top teams. Held every four years, it epitomizes cricket’s pinnacle, drawing global attention. Teams vie fiercely, displaying skill, strategy, and determination. With nail-biting matches, it captivates fans worldwide, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie. Established in 1998, it has evolved into a celebrated event revered by players and enthusiasts alike. Amidst electrifying atmospheres, legends emerge, and underdogs triumph, etching unforgettable moments in cricket history. As teams clash for glory, the ICC Champions Trophy continues to reign as a spectacle of excellence and sportsmanship.
Will India Participate in Champions Trophy 2025?
India and Pakistan have a long history in cricket and outside of it. But ever since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, both nations have parted ways with respect to sports or any other activities. Team India has not travelled to Pakistan for a bilateral series or even an ICC event. However, there hasn’t been any ICC event taking place in Pakistan in a long time. According to a source from the BCCI said, “India might skip the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and there’s talk of changing the venue or using a hybrid model.” (IANS)
If we look at past ICC or ACC events, India has always shied away from touring Pakistan. Last Year, during the Asia Cup, India influenced the organisers, and the event, which was supposed to be hosted by Pakistan, was shifted towards a Hybrid model. Evidently, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, and even the Final was shifted to Sri Lanka as India was part of it.
This move heavily affected the PCB, as they eventually had to share a part of their revenue with Sri Lanka Cricket. The Pakistani fans were left dejected, as the Indian Cricket Team is the biggest box-office attraction with respect to viewership and Gate attendance.
India and Pakistan Champions Trophy Match
Last, India and Pakistan played together in England’s Champions Trophy event in 2017. However, Pakistan outperformed India in the Finals, beating them by 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman was the difference maker. The Pakistani lad played a blistering knock of 114 runs in 106 balls with twelve (4s) and three (6s). Alongside him was his teammate Mohammed Amir, who took three wickets for a mere 16 runs.
This win against India in the finals of an IIC event is a badge of honour for Pakistani players and their fans. However, two years later, India thrashed Pakistan in the group stages of the Cricket World Cup in England in 2019. Talking about travelling, Pakistan has toured India at many of the ICC events in the past, whether it is the 2011 World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup, or the recently concluded 2023 50-over World Cup. Pakistan has been a constant visitor, unlike India.
Why Teams Don’t Travel to Pakistan?
Pakistan has had a very unstable environment and state of affairs in their country. One of the major incidents which led other teams not to travel to Pakistan was the terrorist attack on the 2009 Sri Lankan team that travelled to Pakistan. This horrendous event shut all the doors for the Pakistan Sports fraternity. Apart from this, a Bomb blast in the Marriott hotel also made headlines. These two were just a few of many instances of unstable political structure in the country that led other teams to abandon Pakistan.
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Coming back to India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 event, as per sources, BCCI stands firm on its decision not to travel to Pakistan. However, if India doesn’t participate, it will hamper not only the PCB pockets but also the pockets of ICC. Moreover, a Hybrid model is a valid option if the governing body wishes to make money out of the event.
