Rohit Sharma addresses India's participation in Pakistan-hosted 2025 Champions Trophy

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has addressed India’s potential participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, clarifying that the final decision will be taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Speaking to the media, Sharma stated that player input does not influence travel decisions in such cases, as these are matters for the cricket boards to decide.

“The decision is not in our hands. It will be made by the cricket boards, and we are focused on the tournament ahead,” Sharma said.

He emphasised that wherever the BCCI directs the team, players will be ready to compete. “If we are sent to Pakistan, there will be no issue,” he added.

The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, faces uncertainty as the BCCI has reportedly informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India's participation hinges on government guidance.

This stance has led to concerns over the feasibility of Pakistan hosting the entire tournament, with a “hybrid model” emerging as a possible solution. This model would split games between Pakistan and an alternate venue, with the UAE and Sri Lanka among the options.

In response to India’s reservations, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed disappointment over the absence of official communication from the BCCI and ICC.

Naqvi stated that PCB is moving forward with full tournament preparations and has not formally discussed a hybrid hosting model.

Meanwhile, the ICC has delayed a key schedule announcement initially planned for November 11, pending discussions with stakeholders. The 2025 Champions Trophy, expected to feature teams from eight countries, will follow a round-robin format within two groups, leading to semi-finals and a final.