It seems unlikely that the Indian team will tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy tournament scheduled to be held there. Although the BCCI has not yet made an official statement, it is expected to request the ICC to relocate India’s matches to Dubai or Sri Lanka.
According to ANI, there is minimal chance of the Indian team travelling to Pakistan for next year’s Champions Trophy. Sources within the Indian Cricket Board suggest that the BCCI may ask the ICC to host these matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka. Last year, the Asia Cup was organized under a hybrid model, with all of India’s matches played in Sri Lanka.
A BCCI source commented, “The Indian team is unlikely to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the government will make the final decision. A hybrid model is being considered, similar to the Asia Cup, where the Indian team could play its matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka. The ICC will ultimately decide, but for now, this is our consideration. We will see how things develop, but it appears a hybrid model will be used.”
Pakistan’s Preparations
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has begun preparations for the tournament, with the ICC also seeking a suitable window for it. The PCB has allocated around Rs 17 billion for the renovation of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed board members that the Champions Trophy will be hosted entirely in Pakistan, with further discussions to take place at the ICC’s annual board meeting in Colombo later this month.
Focus on the BCCI’s Decision
Although Pakistan hosted the entire Asia Cup in 2008 and some matches of the same tournament on its soil last year, this would be the first time a major ICC tournament is hosted there. The BCCI has yet to officially confirm whether they will send the national team to Pakistan for the ICC tournament, drawing significant attention to their forthcoming decision.
Bilateral Series on Hold
There has been no bilateral series between India and Pakistan since the 2012–13 season. The Indian team has not visited Pakistan since 2008. Last year, then Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur stated that India would not commence a bilateral cricket series with Pakistan until Pakistan ceases cross-border terrorism.
Head-to-Head in ICC Tournaments
India and Pakistan only meet in ICC tournaments. India won the T20 World Cup group stage match between the two teams in New York last month. Previously, in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India, India defeated Pakistan in the group stage. However, Pakistan triumphed over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Pakistan will enter the upcoming tournament as the defending champions.
