The highly anticipated return of the Champions Trophy in 2025 is facing a potential roadblock due to rising tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Pakistan, as the host nation, stands to lose a major draw if India remains hesitant to send their team.

This isn’t the first time political tensions have cast a shadow on cricket. The BCCI’s previous refusal to send India for the Asia Cup in Pakistan forced a “hybrid model” where India played their matches in Sri Lanka. Similar concerns are swirling around the Champions Trophy.

Adding to the friction, the PCB reportedly requested written confirmation from the BCCI that the Indian government denied permission for the team’s travel to Pakistan. This request highlights the longstanding pause in bilateral cricket series between the two nations, with India last playing a major tournament in Pakistan in 2008.

PCB’s Illogical Demands From The BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had made its stand pretty clear last year that India was not willing to send the team for the Asia Cup. As a result, the Asian Championship was played in a hybrid model with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. The same things seem to happen ahead of the much-awaited 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy.

“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now, it is a fact that the we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing‘, said a PCB source to PTI.”

Who Steps Up if India Withdraws?

With India’s participation hanging in the balance, the question of a potential replacement arises. Since political tensions have restricted matches to ICC events, India’s absence would leave a significant gap. The Champions Trophy format features the top eight cricket nations. If a hybrid model isn’t implemented and India withdraws, Sri Lanka, the next highest-ranked nation, would likely be called upon to step in for the prestigious tournament.