'India unlikely to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025'

Security and diplomatic concerns make India's participation in Pakistan '99.9%' improbable, says Vikrant Gupta

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Senior Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has suggested that it is highly unlikely the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025.

In a widely circulated video discussion, Gupta proposed that the tournament may adopt a hybrid model, with many matches potentially played at neutral venues.

"The Indian team’s participation in Pakistan is '99.9% improbable,' citing ongoing security concerns and diplomatic sensitivities," Gupta stated.

Gupta cited ongoing security concerns and diplomatic sensitivities as primary reasons for India not participating in the tournament in Pakistan, stating that the Indian team’s participation was “99.9%” unlikely.

He emphasised the need for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to devise a workable solution similar to the arrangements made for the Asia Cup.

Read also: Champions Trophy 2025 budget swells as ICC prepares for potential shift of India matches

"Given the complexities and time constraints, it seems improbable that India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy," Gupta remarked. "The ICC will have to explore alternative arrangements, as the situation is markedly different from the Asia Cup where multiple claims were made about venue changes."

There are rumours that Sri Lanka and Dubai are under consideration as potential venues for the Champions Trophy. Initially, Sri Lanka was chosen due to the intense heat in Dubai, but recent weather improvements have made Dubai a more viable option for the tournament.

Previously, Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), dismissed claims that the Indian cricket team would not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Shukla clarified to The Print over the phone, “We do not know which source gave such information. BCCI has not put out any official information regarding this."