There is growing uncertainty over India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, with multiple reports suggesting that India might not take part in the event scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet provided any clarity on their plans regarding the tournament. This uncertainty comes after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year, resulting in the tournament being played under a hybrid model. India played their matches in Sri Lanka, including the final, which they won against Sri Lanka.
Reacting to the reports, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal expressed his disappointment, questioning why India is reluctant to participate when other countries like Australia have toured Pakistan.
“When a team like Australia can visit Pakistan, why not India? The India-Pakistan bilateral series should happen. Both governments need to sit and talk. This will benefit cricket,” Akmal told the Times of India.
The BCCI has consistently maintained that the Indian team will only travel to Pakistan if they receive clearance from the Indian government. India captain Rohit Sharma has also stated that while the players are ready to play anywhere, the final decision regarding playing in Pakistan rests with the Indian government.
Akmal pointed out that the Pakistan government has always been supportive of its players participating in matches in India, citing Pakistan’s recent tour to India for the ODI World Cup. He urged India to reciprocate, emphasizing that Pakistan has made significant efforts to bring international cricket back to the country.
“First you took away the Asia Cup from Pakistan; now you’re talking about the Champions Trophy, why? Pakistan has done a lot of hard work to bring cricket back to the country. If India invites Pakistan, our government will never stop us. They will say, ‘Go and play.’ The Indian government should do the same. Let’s keep politics aside and play cricket,” Akmal added.
Akmal’s comments reflect the broader sentiment that sporting events like cricket should be used as a platform to foster goodwill and not be hindered by political tensions. As cricket fans eagerly await a decision, it remains to be seen whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
