ICC Champions Trophy 2025: ICC issues final warning to India over participation in the tournament

Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting India’s stance on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, with the Indian government reportedly declining clearance to the Men in Blue to cross the border for the tournament.

With the Champions Trophy 2025 set to kick off in just a few months, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been reportedly putting pressure on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), demanding a clear decision by the end of this week regarding India's participation in the tournament, as per a report in Cricket Pakistan.

ICC demands a quick answer from BCCI over India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025

Seven other participating nations have already confirmed their visit to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, but India’s stance remains uncertain. As the ICC finalizes logistics for the tournament, fans are left wondering whether they’ll get to witness the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash on Pakistani soil in the upcoming prestigious tournament.

Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India's 70 percent participation confirmed from Pakistan

The ICC traditionally reveals the tournament schedule months in advance, but this time a more dramatic approach is being taken, with plans for a grand unveiling event expected between November 10 and 12 in Pakistan.

It is being said that the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will engage in high-stakes negotiations in Lahore, where India’s proposed matches are scheduled. According to Cricket Pakistan, crucial discussions have been occurring behind the scenes in Dubai between ICC officials and PCB representatives, including COO Salman Naseer and Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

PCB seeks clear answer from BCCI over Champions Trophy 2025 participation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly pushing for a final answer from India—"yes” or “no”—to ensure the upcoming prestigious tournament proceeds smoothly. If India agrees, the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will proceed as planned, with Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19, 2025, in Karachi. The BCCI will have to confirm their decision within a week.

On the other hand, India’s opening match against Bangladesh is set for February 20 in Lahore. But the real battle everyone is waiting for will be on March 1, 2025, when India and Pakistan are set to face off in Lahore.

Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI officially writes to ICC and PCB for shifting matches to Dubai

India will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team has decided not to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, despite the tournament set to return after an eight-year hiatus. According to sources, the BCCI has officially informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of their decision, citing ongoing security concerns in Pakistan.

In their communication, the BCCI requested that all of India's matches be moved to Dubai instead. A BCCI official confirmed the board’s stance, emphasizing that it remains unchanged.

The official added that the BCCI has formally asked for India’s games in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 to be relocated to Dubai to ensure the safety and security of the players.

A BCCI official told the Indian Express: “This has been our stance and there is no reason to change that. We have written to them and asked them to shift our games to Dubai.”