Explained: What if India withdraws from the 2025 Champions Trophy?

Pakistan has never hosted an ICC event since 1996 and their case of having one was marred by the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in 2009. Pakistan played their first home series after a gap of 10 years, ironically against Sri Lanka. With security concerns at an all-time high and PCB having managed to grab the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy 2025, the question looms over the Indian Team’s participation in the marquee event.

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It is not a hidden fact that India and Pakistan have had a long rivalry over geopolitical tensions since their independence. Matters further escalated after Pakistan was charged with conducting a grave terrorist attack in 2008 in Mumbai. Since 2013, India have never toured Pakistan, and the stand will potentially remain the same for the Champions Trophy 2025. Even BCCI has not green-flagged the tour with the Indian government too not keen on sending its players across the border.

“In the case of the Champions Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India permits us to do so. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government,” BCCI Vice President, Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

Also Read: Reports: India still reluctant on travelling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 

India have to make way for Sri Lanka in case they pull out

If Team India remain adamant about not travelling to the neighbouring country and ICC does not allow a neutral venue, Sri Lanka will see themselves occupying India’s place.

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The Champions Trophy 2025 is a 50-over competition between eight teams, and the teams are selected based on their standing in the recently concluded World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka were out of contention as they sit in the ninth spot and if India pulls out of the tournament, they will automatically fill in based on the closest occupied spot.