Pakistan is considering withdrawing from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if the tournament’s hosting rights are removed from the country following India’s refusal to play in Pakistan. Official sources informed Dawn on Sunday that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has referred the matter to the Pakistani government for guidance.
The issue arose after an email from the ICC confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed them that India would not travel to Pakistan. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi ruled out a “hybrid model,” which would allow India to play at a neutral venue, signaling Pakistan’s firm stance.
Government sources suggest that one option under consideration is advising the PCB to withdraw from the Champions Trophy entirely if the tournament is moved. Officials are also contemplating a potential boycott of matches against India in ICC and Asian Cricket Council events until relations improve.
Also read: Pakistan Secures Historic ODI Series Victory In Australia After 22 Years
The political tension between India and Pakistan continues to influence cricket, as the two countries last played a bilateral series in 2012, with only tournament matches since.
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