The prospect of India’s travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is still being determined, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still needs to give explicit instructions regarding their participation.
The current scenario reflects the dispute surrounding the Asia Cup held last year, where Pakistan was a co-host using a hybrid arrangement.
As a result of India’s decision not to go to Pakistan, the Indian team competed in their matches in Sri Lanka, including the final, in which they emerged victorious against the hosts.
Amidst numerous speculations indicating that India might choose not to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy, this subject has ignited substantial discussion within the cricketing community.
Kamran Akmal, a former wicketkeeper-batsman from Pakistan, has expressed his opinion, stating that if Australia, a country similar to India, can visit Pakistan, there is no justification for India not to do the same.
“If Australia, a team of similar stature, can visit Pakistan, then why is India not able to do the same?”
The India-Pakistan bilateral series ought to take place. Both administrations must engage in a dialogue and negotiate. “This will be advantageous for cricket,” Akmal stated in an interview with the *Times of India*.
His opinions are representative of a broader belief held by cricket enthusiasts and experts, asserting that the sport should rise above political conflicts between the two countries.
The BCCI has consistently asserted that the Indian cricket team will only visit Pakistan upon obtaining authorization from the central government.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, reaffirmed this position, adding that although the players are prepared to compete in any location, the Indian government would ultimately determine their involvement in the Champions Trophy.
The matter of travel permission has consistently been a challenge in the cricket relations between India and Pakistan, frequently obstructing the occurrence of bilateral series.
Kamran Akmal, however, indicated that the Pakistani authorities will not impede its players’ participation in events hosted in India.
He highlighted that Pakistan visited India last year for the ODI World Cup without any intervention from the administration.
Akmal conveyed his dissatisfaction with the possible removal of India from the Champions Trophy, particularly in light of Pakistan’s endeavors to revive international cricket in the country.
“Initially, you deprived Pakistan of the Asia Cup, and now you are discussing the rationale behind the exclusion of Pakistan from the Champions Trophy.”
Pakistan has exerted significant effort to reintroduce cricket within its borders. Should India extend an invitation to Pakistan, our government will not impede our participation.
Their response will be to instruct you to engage in recreational activities. The Indian government should take identical action.
Akmal earnestly implored, “Let us set aside political matters and engage in a game of cricket.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a remarkable accomplishment by successfully bringing back international cricket to Pakistan.
The PCB has put immense effort into rebuilding the country’s image as a secure venue for international matches.
If India, one of the prominent teams, does not participate in the Champions Trophy, it would significantly impact the competition and hinder Pakistan’s attempt to demonstrate its cricketing facilities internationally.
To summarise, the ambiguity over India’s involvement in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan illustrates the persistent intricacies of cricket diplomacy between the two countries.
Although the BCCI’s final decision would be contingent upon government approval, individuals such as Kamran Akmal emphasize the significance of delineating sports from politics and prioritizing the essence of the game.
The upcoming months will be pivotal in deciding if the Champions Trophy will witness the involvement of both cricket powerhouses, India and Pakistan, on Pakistani territory.
