Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has addressed reports suggesting that Pakistan may boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction, Shukla stated that the BCCI is awaiting the Indian 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.
Another senior BCCI official mentioned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might retaliate if India does not travel to Pakistan. “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 the Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” the official stated.
The PCB insists on hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, dismissing rumors of a neutral venue. Three cities — Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore — are set to host the matches, with India’s games proposed to take place in Lahore.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This will mark the return of the tournament after an eight-year gap, with Pakistan winning the last edition in 2017 by defeating India in the final.
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