India’s eminent sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has suggested that the Indian cricket team is highly unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025.
Gupta's assertion, made during a widely circulated video discussion, indicates that the tournament may be conducted under a hybrid model, with a substantial portion of the matches possibly played in neutral venues.
According to Gupta, the Indian team’s participation in Pakistan is “99.9%” improbable, largely due to ongoing security concerns and diplomatic sensitivities.
He emphasised that the International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a pressing need to devise a workable solution, akin to the arrangements made for the Asia Cup.
“Given the complexities and time constraints, it seems improbable that India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” Gupta stated. “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.”
Gupta also highlighted that the ICC’s upcoming meeting in Sri Lanka next week could provide clarity on the future of the Champions Trophy. He speculated that the Indian board would likely reject any proposal for traveling to Pakistan, necessitating the adoption of a hybrid model.
Rumors suggest that Sri Lanka and Dubai are being considered as potential venues. Gupta noted that while the Asia Cup had initially been slated for Sri Lanka due to the intense heat in Dubai, the weather conditions in Dubai might now be more favorable, making it a viable option for the tournament.
The prospect of a hybrid model, where India would play its matches in a neutral location, is seen as a crucial factor in salvaging the Champions Trophy. If the model is adopted, the final would also be held at this neutral venue. Gupta underscored that while India’s participation in the final cannot be guaranteed, logistical decisions must be made well in advance.
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has, however, dismissed these claims, with Vice President Rajeev Shukla denying the validity of rumors regarding a neutral venue. Shukla emphasized that the BCCI has yet to issue an official statement concerning the tournament's arrangements.
The Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Pakistan for the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup and the 2008 Asia Cup, is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 19, 2025, across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. In response to security concerns, Pakistan has decided to host all matches involving India in Lahore, where security measures will be heightened to facilitate the participation of Indian fans.
Despite these preparations, the question of India’s participation remains unresolved. The BCCI has deferred the decision to the Indian government, which has yet to make an official stance. T
Pakistan, the reigning Champions Trophy holders, won the last edition of the tournament in 2017 under the leadership of Sarfraz Ahmed. The outcome of this year's Champions Trophy remains uncertain, contingent upon the resolution of venue and participation issues.
