The question of India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan, is still unresolved. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is optimistic that a solution will be found. Richard Gould, head of the ECB, emphasized that India presence is vital due to the broadcasting rights tied to the event. Without India, global viewership and financial success could suffer.
Gould acknowledged that Pakistan expects India to send its team. He also mentioned contingency plans in case India’s refuses to travel due to political or security concerns. However, Gould stressed that playing the tournament without India would severely impact the broadcast deals.
Pakistan last hosted an ICC event in 1996. The 2025 Champions Trophy will be played in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. To address India’s security concerns, all India matches are scheduled in Lahore, making it easier for Indian fans to attend. However, India’s participation remains in limbo as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awaits the Indian government’s decision.
Pakistan, eager to host a successful tournament, is determined to go ahead with or without India. The 2025 edition is significant, as Pakistan is the defending champion, having famously beaten India’s in the 2017 final. All eyes now turn to whether India’s will cross the border for this landmark event in cricket diplomacy.
Richard Thomson, ECB Chair, pointed out the India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup held in the U.S. as proof that sports can rise above geopolitical tensions. While security concerns remain, Thomson is hopeful a solution will be found.
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