Pakistan is all set to host the ICC Champion’s Trophy 2025. It will be the country’s first major ICC event that it will be hosting after the 1996 cricket World Cup. However, a controversy has arrived as Board of Control for cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that it will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The disappointment is evident from the cricket fans of both the countries as it would have resulted in some of the very exciting matches.
E-mail from The ICC
Pakistan cricket board has been informed of this decision by an e-mail from the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India has refused to attend the Champion’s Trophy 2025. The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made a clarification that this time Pakistan will not accept a hybrid model in which countries will be allowed to play some matches that are hosted in other countries. This clarification has been made keeping in mind the 2023 Asia cup where India played some of the matches being held in Sri Lanka.
PCB Spokesperson
The primary concern that has been highlighted by the Indian government is security for which they have withheld their permission to tour Pakistan. This is not the first time that India has made such a decision. Ties with relationship to cricket have been frozen between the two countries since they played the last series of matches in 2012 – 2013. A PCB spokesperson mentioned that the board has prepared efficient facilities to guarantee the safety of all teams. It is also mentioned that Pakistan has hosted some of the recent international matches and also the Pakistan super league in which all of the players from international teams were entertained well and securely. This decision from the Indian cricket board has prompted disappointment among the Pakistan cricket board.
Clarification from ICC
Six out of seven nations playing in the Champion’s trophy 2025 have shown their trust and confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the event. This controversy because of India’s refusal to attend the tournament has also received international attention. US deputy spokesperson Vidant Patel mentioned that it is the magic of sports that has the power to bridge differences. Both the countries should recognize the unifying power that cricket holds and should act accordingly.
Pakistan cricket board has received clarification from International Cricket Council regarding refusal of India to attend the tournament and the implications that it has for the Champion’s trophy 2025. Meanwhile, in Pakistan the preparations for the tournament continue and it is all set to host the event with dedication and valor. Cricket fans await the overhyped tournament. For now the decision is that India is not willing to attend the tournament but the world awaits that whether crickets spirit of unification can triumph over the decision of Indian cricket board. Fans of both the countries were excited for a face off and to witness Indian team playing in Pakistan cricket grounds but the Indian cricket board had other plans.