At a recent auction event for the Uttar Pradesh Premier League, Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), addressed the recent reports suggesting that Pakistan may boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India is set to co-host alongside Sri Lanka. This potential boycott seems contingent on whether India decides to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025.
Shukla emphasized that the BCCI is currently awaiting a green light from the Indian government regarding participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan. “We are waiting for the government’s decision on our participation in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan can say whatever they want about their involvement in the 2026 World Cup,” Shukla stated.
A senior BCCI official echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the possibility of a reaction from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if India chooses not to play in Pakistan. “We are aware that the PCB might respond if we decide against traveling for the Champions Trophy, potentially leading to threats of boycotting other tournaments like the Asia Cup,” the official noted. He further clarified that the decision to send a team to Pakistan is not solely within the BCCI’s purview, as it requires approval from the Indian government. Despite ongoing discussions about the Champions Trophy, no definitive resolution has been reached yet.
The PCB remains resolute in hosting the entirety of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, dismissing rumors of alternative venues or contingency plans. The tournament is set to be staged in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with all of India’s matches proposed to be held in Lahore according to the PCB’s schedule submitted to the ICC.
The PCB argues that there is no substantial reason for India’s refusal to participate, pointing out that all other participating teams have played in Pakistan in recent times. The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, marks the return of the tournament after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan having last won the title in 2017 by defeating India in the final.
As the situation develops, the cricketing community is closely watching how the diplomatic and sporting relationship between the two nations will unfold, potentially impacting major international cricket events.
