Cricket

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked controversy due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Despite Pakistan's visit to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, reports suggest that India is reluctant to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming tournament.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly proposed a "hybrid" model, where India would play its matches in Dubai. However, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has warned that if India refuses to travel, Pakistan should retaliate by boycotting the tournament."ICC exists only because there is Pakistan and India. If the government of Pakistan also says like India that we won't play, then the ICC will be of no use as no one will watch the match," Latif told Geo News.Latif emphasized that India cannot deny ICC events as they have already signed agreements. He added that if India does not participate, Pakistan will take a "big step" by withdrawing from the tournament.The BCCI has reportedly informed the ICC of its decision not to travel to Pakistan. Sources indicate that Pakistan may consider legal action at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."This is an ICC event. The cycle has been signed from 2024-2031. All the broadcasters and sponsors have signed about the teams that will participate in the Champions Trophy or the World Cup," Latif said.The decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that India should prioritize cricket over politics. Others maintain that the safety and security of the Indian team must be paramount.The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the matter in the coming months. If India does not participate, it would be a major blow to the tournament and raise questions about the future of bilateral cricket between the two nations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering adjustments to the schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which it is hosting, to accommodate matches involving India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move comes after the Indian government expressed concerns about its team traveling to Pakistan due to security and socio-political reasons.The PCB is exploring a "Hybrid Model" similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka. Sources within the PCB believe that even if India is not permitted to tour Pakistan, minor adjustments can be made to the schedule, with India likely playing its matches in Dubai or Sharjah.The International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot force any board to go against its government's policy, and it remains to be seen when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make a final decision. By the time the decision is made, the ICC will be chaired by India's Jay Shah.The PCB is urging the ICC to announce the tournament schedule by next week, as officials from the governing body are expected to visit Lahore. The PCB has proposed a tentative schedule that includes a marquee match between India and Pakistan in Lahore on March 1, 2025.The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The final is set for March 9 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. According to the proposed schedule, all of India's matches would be held in Lahore for security and logistical reasons.The PCB is investing heavily in upgrading its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, where the Champions Trophy matches will be played. The board is spending approximately 13 billion rupees on these renovations.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied receiving any official proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, but India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions between the two countries.Media reports have suggested that the PCB has proposed a plan that would allow the Indian team to travel back to Delhi or Chandigarh after each game in Pakistan for security reasons. However, the BCCI has stated that it has not received any such proposal and that the decision on India's participation lies with the Indian government.India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in over a decade, and their only encounters have been during international tournaments. While India's participation in the Champions Trophy remains in doubt, Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.The PCB is reportedly prepared for the possibility that India may not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. However, the board has stated that it will not move the title clash from Lahore even if India qualifies for the final. The PCB's stance will be discussed at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting in Dubai from October 18 to 21.The BCCI may request the ICC to hold the tournament in a hybrid model, with India's matches being played in a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka or Dubai. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which hosted the final of the 1996 World Cup, is currently undergoing renovations to increase its seating capacity.The decision on India's participation in the Champions Trophy will ultimately depend on the Indian government's assessment of the security situation in Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled to be held from February 26 to March 19, 2025.

The participation of the Indian cricket team in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain amidst ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has expressed his belief that India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing safety concerns.Kaneria emphasized that the safety of players should be paramount and that the current situation in Pakistan does not provide a conducive environment for the Indian team. He suggested that Dubai would be a more suitable venue for the event."Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan," Kaneria said. "The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority."Kaneria acknowledged that the Pakistan team traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he noted that the situation in India is more stable than in Pakistan. He believes that the BCCI is making the right decision by not providing any guarantees for the Champions Trophy."I think BCCI is doing a great job," Kaneria said. "I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model."Kaneria also pointed out that the financial benefits of hosting the Indian team are a major factor in the ongoing discussions. However, he stressed that safety and respect should take precedence over financial considerations."The main issue is that money will come," Kaneria said. "But you see the other grey area which you are fixing right now. If you think positively, your mind that the situation is not good, security concerns are there."The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue for the Champions Trophy in due course. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March next year, remains uncertain due to political tensions with Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that the decision will depend on the Indian government's approval.Despite the ongoing political impasse, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav expressed his willingness to play in Pakistan if given the opportunity. "As cricketers, we will play wherever we are sent. I have never been to Pakistan before, so I am excited. The Pakistani people are great, and whenever we get the chance, we will definitely go and play there," Yadav said.Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed reports that the Champions Trophy could be rescheduled due to security concerns. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the tournament will take place in Pakistan as planned, with the dates potentially subject to minor adjustments.To prepare for the event, the PCB has initiated a major renovation project at three iconic venues: National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The project, estimated to cost Rs 12.8 billion, aims to upgrade the stadiums to international standards.Naqvi emphasized the need for improved facilities, stating, "There's a huge difference in international stadiums and those of ours [...] none of our stadiums are of international standard." He expressed confidence that the stadiums will be ready for the Champions Trophy, with the PCB coordinating closely with security agencies.The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), proposing dates from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The board remains committed to hosting a world-class event and providing an unforgettable experience for cricket fans.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed media reports claiming that the three stadiums scheduled to host the Champions Trophy next year will not be completed on time. The PCB has clarified that only domestic and bilateral Test matches may be affected by ongoing renovations.The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the National Stadium in Karachi, and the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium are undergoing upgrades for the tournament, which will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday and acknowledged that significant work remains to be done, as none of the stadiums currently meet international standards. However, he emphasized that the renovations will be completed in time for the Champions Trophy."It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi's comments," the PCB said in a statement. "The PCB Chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadiums would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025."The PCB has also appointed UK-based architecture firm BDP Pattern to upgrade the stadium infrastructure for cricket.Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy tournament, held in England in 2017, before it was discontinued due to a crowded schedule. The ICC has revived the tournament to ensure a major event is held every year.The PCB's commitment to hosting a successful Champions Trophy is evident in its efforts to ensure that the stadiums meet international standards. While some domestic matches may be relocated to facilitate construction work, the PCB has assured that the Champions Trophy remains a top priority.

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled for August 30 to September 3 in Karachi, will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium. The decision was made as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) stadium renovation project ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing similar upgrades in preparation for Pakistan's first ICC tournament since 1996. The PCB opted to keep the Test in Karachi to distribute its home matches across three venues: Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Multan will host Pakistan's first Test against England from October 7.The England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15 is expected to have spectators in attendance. The PCB has suspended ticket sales for the first Test against Bangladesh with immediate effect, citing the health and safety of fans as its top priority."We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience," the PCB said in a statement.The Bangladesh squad arrived in Lahore four days ahead of schedule to begin training after their preparations were disrupted by political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train at Gaddafi Stadium before traveling to Rawalpindi for the first Test, which begins on August 21.Bangladesh's previous bilateral tour of Pakistan in 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming series marks their first full tour of Pakistan since 2003.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has implored the Indian cricket team to prioritize sports over politics and participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.India's participation in the tournament has been uncertain due to political tensions between the two nations. India has not toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2012/13, and its last visit to the country for any cricket match was in 2006.Malik emphasized that political disputes should not interfere with sporting events. "Any issues or disputes between the two countries are a separate matter and should be resolved separately in whatever way is necessary. Politics should not come into sports," he said.He highlighted that the Pakistan team visited India for the ICC ODI World Cup last year and expressed his belief that the Indian team should reciprocate. "I think many players in the Indian team have never played in Pakistan, so this would be a good opportunity for them. We are very hospitable people, and I am sure the Indian team should definitely come," Malik stated.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly left the matter of India's participation in the hands of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB has submitted a draft schedule and format for the tournament, including a proposal to host all of India's games in Lahore.The ICC is yet to finalize the schedule and format of the Champions Trophy. However, the PCB has fulfilled its responsibilities as the host nation by submitting the necessary documents.Malik's plea for India's participation in the Champions Trophy underscores the importance of separating politics from sports. He believes that the tournament should be an opportunity for both countries to showcase their cricketing prowess and foster goodwill.

Pakistan's seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik has extended an invitation to the Indian cricket team to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. Malik's invitation underscores the importance of separating politics from sports, emphasizing that bilateral issues between India and Pakistan should be addressed independently of their cricketing engagements."Whatever reservations there are between the countries, that's a separate issue and should be solved separately. Politics shouldn't come into sports. The Pakistan team went to India last year, and now it's a good opportunity for the Indian team too. I think there are many players in the Indian team who haven't played in Pakistan, so it would be great for them. Hum bahut acche log hai (we are good people). We're very hospitable people, so I'm sure the Indian team should definitely come," Malik told Cricket Pakistan.Despite Malik's welcoming stance, reports indicate reluctance from the Indian cricket team regarding their travel to Pakistan for the tournament, primarily due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. It has also been suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might seek to have their matches relocated to alternative venues such as Sri Lanka or Dubai.This development comes amidst a longstanding hiatus in bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan, with the last series on Pakistani soil taking place during the 2008 Asia Cup. Since then, encounters between the two teams have been confined to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups, with their most recent bilateral series occurring in India from December 2012 to January 2013.The Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a significant event, with Pakistan aiming to replicate their success from the 2017 edition of the tournament. India, on the other hand, will be looking to add to their victories from 2013 and the shared triumph in 2002.