BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla reiterated on Monday that the decision regarding the Indian cricket team’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, will be subject to government clearance. Shukla emphasized that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) consistently follows government directives when it comes to international tours.
“No decision has been taken yet,” Shukla said, adding, “Our policy is to seek government permission for all international tours. The government will decide whether our team should travel to any country.”
Shukla shared this statement while speaking to the media during the second Test between India and Bangladesh.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2008, following the tragic Mumbai terror attacks. Currently, the two nations only face each other in ICC events. Pakistan did travel to India last year for the ODI World Cup after a seven-year hiatus, but there is growing speculation that India may opt out of the Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy.
It is being speculated that the BCCI might ask the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move the tournament to a neutral venue, with Sri Lanka or Dubai being potential alternatives. This follows the hybrid model adopted during the recent Asia Cup, where India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan hosted a few games.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm on hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. In response to India’s potential absence, Pakistani all-rounder Hasan Ali recently stated that the tournament should proceed even without India’s participation.
The ICC, however, has clarified that it will not pressure any member board to contravene their government’s policies.
