For the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided against sending the Indian squad to Pakistan. In an earlier statement, the BCCI stated that the Indian government would make the final decision about the teams’ trip. As it happens, security concerns have prevented the government from approving the team’s crossing of the border.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is furious over this development and has threatened to boycott ICC events going forward. Conversely, the broadcasters are pressuring ICC to make the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule public as soon as feasible.
In a massive US$3 billion agreement, broadcasters acquired the rights to ICC events through 2027. The deal also highlighted the captivating interactions between Pakistan and India. An obstacle to the ICC’s Champions Trophy schedule release earlier this week was the Indian government’s refusal to authorise the Men in Blue’s travel. The Nation, Pakistan claims that the broadcasters are waiting for the same in order to continue with their marketing and ads.
India refuses to go, so PCB asks the government for guidance.
Noteworthy is the fact that India’s most recent visit to Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, although the two nations’ relationship soured after Pakistan was blamed for the 2008 Mumbai bombings. The arch-rivals have only met at ICC tournaments since their last bilateral series, which was played in India in 2012–13. When the Asian titans meet, this is one of the main causes of the explosive increase in viewing. Additionally, in an effort to capitalise on the excitement, ICC has ensured that both countries are assigned to the same group in any tournament.
“The ICC emailed the PCB to let them know that the BCCI had notified them that their squad would not be going to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: How much money Pakistan’s lose if tournament gets shifted or postponed?
A PCB representative was cited by BBC Sport as saying, “The PCB has forwarded that email to the government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance.”
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