Champions Trophy 2025: PCB seeks BCCI's explanation in writing after travel refusal

With the Champions Trophy 2025 looming on the horizon and the tournament set to be held in Pakistan, there have been some issues with the Indian team’s travel to the country. Due to the political tensions between both countries, the BCCI has often refused to travel to Pakistan.

Notably, Pakistan travelled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 and expects the same treatment from the BCCI. However, the BCCI recently informed the ICC that the Indian government has refused to travel to Pakistan. 

Furthermore, in recent reports, the PCB has written to the ICC and asked them to provide a written to the ICC and has asked them to give written confirmation from the BCCI that they are unable to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and have asked them to write the reason for the same as well. 

Also Read: Reports: Champions Trophy 2025 to be relocated to South Africa if PCB denies ICC's proposal

Interestingly, the ICC notification that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan came three days before the official launch event for the Champions Trophy, which would have started a 100-day countdown for the competition. 

Furthermore, the PCB’s stance at the moment remains unchanged. The board recently came forward and revealed that they would not be accepting a hybrid model of the Champions Trophy, which was the case during the Asia Cup 2023. 

One of the biggest reasons for the PCB’s annoyance over India’s refusal to travel was the hybrid model shifting of the Asia Cup last year. The Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan and played their games of the tournament in Sri Lanka, and ended up winning the tournament. 

The board also came forward and pointed out that there was no objection from any boards when the hosting of the Champions Trophy was awarded to Pakistan in 2021. The ICC has been approached in the same matter as well.