Currently, the ECCI is looking for the approval of Indian Government to travel Pakistan for playing Champions Trophy 2025. In this regard, Richard Thompson, Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and CEO Richard Gould have underscored the crucial importance of the Indian cricket team in the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan in February and March.
Moreover, in a conversation with British journalists, Thompson voiced concerns about the financial ramifications if India were to miss the tournament. Because there are number of financial matters that are attached with any international cricket event. Such as rights of showing live cricket matches etc. Further, “Cricket can’t afford to lose its broadcasting rights, and the Champions Trophy without India wouldn’t benefit the sport,” he stated.
India Participation in Champions Trophy 2025
India’s participation, led by Rohit Sharma, remains uncertain due to ongoing political and security concerns between India and Pakistan. Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), confirmed that the Indian government will ultimately decide whether the team will travel to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy or otherwise.
“No decision has been made yet. Our policy is to seek government permission for international tours,” Shukla noted in an interview with an Indian news channel. “It’s up to the government to determine our team’s travel plans.”
The ECB has also mentioned that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering hybrid venue models that could allow India to play its matches outside Pakistan, should travel be declined. However, Thompson emphasized that any final decision will hinge on Jay Shah, the incoming ICC Chair and current BCCI Secretary.
Gould echoed Thompson’s concerns, stating that discussions on hybrid models are expected soon. “Whenever Pakistan and India play, security concerns rise, but the financial stakes for broadcasting rights are significant,” he remarked. He added that final decisions regarding the Champions Trophy would be made closer to the event as circumstances unfold.
India has not visited Pakistan since 2008, and the two nations haven’t engaged in a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to political tensions. Nevertheless, Pakistan has successfully hosted international teams, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains optimistic about India’s participation.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, including India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, based on their performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Matches will be held at three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—with the PCB allocating Rs12.80 billion for stadium renovations to meet international standards. The proposed schedule indicates that India will play all its matches in Lahore, as all other participating teams have recently toured Pakistan, leading the PCB to believe India has no substantial reasons to refrain from traveling for the tournament.
Related: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule