Mon Oct 07 00:12:38 UTC 2024: ## India’s Participation in 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan Hinges on Government Clearance, Says BCCI

**New Delhi, India -** The future of India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, remains uncertain. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, including plans to host all of India’s matches in Lahore, India has yet to confirm its participation.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla revealed that the decision on India’s participation will be made by Jay Shah, the incoming ICC Chairman, in an independent capacity. “Until now, there have been no discussions in BCCI for that tournament and nor have we come up with a decision,” Shukla stated.

However, he emphasized that ultimately, the decision rests with the Indian government, who have the final say on player safety. “It is clearly written in the ICC rules that if the government doesn’t give permission then the team can’t travel to that particular country,” Shukla clarified.

India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to strained political relations between the two nations. In 2023, the Asia Cup was held in a hybrid format with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka after refusing to travel to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the PCB is gearing up for the Champions Trophy, allocating a significant sum for stadium renovations in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The draft schedule includes a highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match scheduled for March 1st in Lahore.

The BCCI will await the Indian government’s decision before finalizing its participation in the tournament.

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