Cricinfo has claimed in its report that the BCCI has told the ICC that the Indian government has advised that the team should not be sent to Pakistan.
The report says that the BCCI had informed the ICC earlier this week, but it is not yet clear whether it was verbally informed or in writing to the ICC about the team’s non-participation.
It has been further said that it is likely that the ICC will seek written information so that the PCB can also be informed.
The report claims that after this development, the ceremony to be held in Lahore next week to announce the Champions Trophy schedule will also likely be postponed.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled in Pakistan between February 19 and March 9, but after this decision by the Indian Cricket Board, both the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will need to prepare an alternative plan for the success of the event.
After the BCCI’s refusal, the Champions Trophy can now be held under the hybrid model and if that happens, the tournament matches will be played in Pakistan as well as at another venue.
It should be remembered that due to the political cold war between Pakistan and India, there is no bilateral cricket series and the Indian team has never visited Pakistan since the Asia Cup held in 2008.
The Pakistani cricket team has been visiting India to participate in ICC tournaments, including the 2023 World Cup, and had visited for a bilateral series in 2012-13.
It should be noted that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already rejected the option of a hybrid model for holding the Champions Trophy and had also denied any discussion in this regard. However, the report claims that various plans in the form of a hybrid model were discussed a few months ago.
Cricinfo says that the names of various countries have been mentioned for the matches under the hybrid model, but it is more likely to be played in the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka is also included in this list.
Mohsin Naqvi had said in his statement on Friday that if the BCCI has any complaint, then the PCB should be informed in writing about it and if this is done, then the government will also be discussed before the final decision is taken.
The top 8 teams in the world will participate in the Champions Trophy, which have been divided into two groups. The teams include hosts Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand and South Africa.