Srinagar: BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla has said that BCCI is waiting for a approval from Indian Government for visiting Pakistan to participate in Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction, Shukla asserted that the BCCI is waiting for their government’s approval to travel to Pakistan.
“Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government [to participate in the Champions Trophy],” Shukla said.
On the other hand, report quoted another senior BCCI official admitting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will react if India does not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands. Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” a senior BCCI official was quotef as saying.
The proposed dates for the Champions Trophy are from 19th February to 9th March.
This event will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with its last occurrence in 2017, when Pakistan emerged victorious by defeating India in the final.