India unlikely to visit Pakistan as Champions Trophy 2025 set to be played in hybrid model

The much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025 is reportedly set to be played in a hybrid model across Pakistan and the UAE. While the hosting rights are with Pakistan, it is highly unlikely that the entire competition will be played there because of their poor relations with India.

The bilateral relationship between the two nations is at an all-time low at present. They have not played a Test series against each other since 2007 while the last bilateral series between them took place in 2013-14. Since then, the arch-rivals have only played against each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. India have also not visited Pakistan since 2008.

Last year, the Asia Cup had to be played in a hybrid model as well. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tried all it could to host the tournament in Pakistan, it eventually failed and had to come up with a hybrid model. As a result, the games were played across Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India had played all of their games in Sri Lanka.

Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan and UAE:

Just like the Asia Cup, the Champions Trophy is also looking set to be played across two nations although there is no official confirmation as of now. According to PTI's Kushan Sarkar, the tournament will be taking place across Pakistan and UAE.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sarkar wrote that India will be playing 5 Tests, 7 T20Is and 3 ODIs in the forthcoming home season. He further stated that India will play a total of 6 ODIs before the Champions Trophy takes place in UAE and Pakistan.

"India to play 5 Tests, 8 T20Is and 3 ODIs at home during the home season. S0 6 ODIs (3vd Eng and 3 vs SL) before Champions Trophy in UAE and Pakistan," wrote Sarkar.

India to play 5 Tests, 8 T20Is and 3 ODIs at home during the home season. S0 6 ODIs (3vd Eng and 3 vs SL) before Champions Trophy in UAE and Pakistan.#<!---->C<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t #<!---->B<!---->C<!---->C<!---->I #<!---->c<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t<!---->u<!---->p<!---->d<!---->a<!---->t<!---->e<!---->s

— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Recently, reports stated that the PCB had submitted the draft schedule for the Champions Trophy to the ICC. The PCB wanted the tournament to be played across three cities - Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. They also wanted India to be based in one city for the entire competition. However, it looks highly unlikely now and it won't be surprising if India play all of the games in UAE.