Indian Government and home ministry will decide on India’s participation in Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan: Anurag Thakur

Union Ministry for youth affairs and sports ministry Anurag Thakur has said the decision on India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 set to be played in Pakistan will be made by the Indian government and the home ministry. Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had announced a schedule for the next year’s cycle for the men’s white-ball matches from 2024-2031. Among the 14 countries finalized as hosts by ICC, Pakistan are set to host the Champions Trophy in 2025.

India have not toured the country since the 2005-06 season. Due to political tensions, the teams only play in global events. Pakistan have played ICC events in India during the 2011 Cricket World Cup and during the 20-20 World Cup in 2016. Thakur was asked about the team playing in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy, to which he replied various factors will be considered, and the decision rests on the government.

“When the time will come, the Indian government and the home ministry will take a decision. During the international championships, all factors are looked upon”, Thakur said according to Times Now.

Thakur further opined that several countries have refused to play in Pakistan in the past due to security concerns. New Zealand and England have canceled their limited-overs tour of Pakistan owing to security concerns. “Even in past, many countries have refused to play in Pakistan due to security concerns. As you all know, many players were even attacked while playing over there and that’s a big issue to be dealt with,” he added.

The Champions Trophy returns after a gap of eight years. Pakistan are the current champions of the showpiece event, and they will get a chance to defend the crown in their own backyard. The 2024-2031 cycle sees eleven full members and three associate nations host two Men’s Cricket World Cup, four 20-20 World Cups, and two Champions Trophy events. USA and West Indies kick off the new season by hosting the 20-20 World Cup in 2024.