Indian cricket team is unlikely to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year due to security concerns, according to the MEA. This decision comes as no surprise as India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 and has not played a bilateral series since 2012-13. Despite pleas from the Pakistan Cricket Board, India remains firm on its stance of not playing cricket in Pakistan until there is equal treatment.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has submitted a draft for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Pakistan set to host India's men's cricket team in Lahore on March 1st. While the PCB has received support from other participating countries, the BCCI is yet to decide on sending their team to Pakistan. This would mark India's first visit to Pakistan in over ten years, with their last match in Pakistan being in the Asia Cup 2023 held in Sri Lanka. The final decision on India's participation will be dependent on the Indian government's approval.
In a bid to ease logistical and security challenges, the Pakistan Cricket Board has suggested Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as the only venue for all of India's matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This move, if approved, would mark the first time Pakistan has hosted the tournament. However, India's participation is subject to clearance from the Indian government, making for an interesting decision.