Vikrant Gupta, a renowned sports journalist from India, has suggested that it is highly unlikely that the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025. In a widely shared video discussion, Gupta proposed that the tournament might be held using a hybrid model, with a significant number of matches played at neutral locations.
Vikrant Gupta described the likelihood of the Indian team going to Pakistan as “99.9%” improbable, attributing this to persistent security issues and diplomatic tensions. He pointed out that the International Cricket Council (ICC) needs to come up with a feasible solution, similar to the arrangements made for the Asia Cup.
Read more: BCCI Requests Alternate Venue for Champions Trophy 2025 instead of Pakistan
He noted, “Considering the complexities and tight timelines, it appears unlikely that India will visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The ICC will need to consider alternative solutions, as the situation differs greatly from the Asia Cup, where venue changes were frequently discussed.”
Gupta also mentioned that the ICC’s forthcoming meeting in Sri Lanka next week might shed light on the future of the Champions Trophy. He speculated that the Indian board would likely oppose any proposal for traveling to Pakistan, thus making a hybrid model the probable outcome.
There are rumors that Sri Lanka and Dubai are being considered as possible venues for the ICC Champions Trophy. Vikrant Gupta mentioned that although the tournament was initially planned for Sri Lanka due to the extreme heat in Dubai, the weather in Dubai may now be more suitable, making it a feasible option.
The idea of a hybrid model, where India would play its matches at a neutral venue, is seen as crucial for the tournament’s success. If this model is implemented, the final would also take place at this neutral location. Gupta stressed that while it cannot be guaranteed that India will reach the final, logistical arrangements must be made well ahead of time.
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has, however, refuted these rumors. Vice President Rajeev Shukla denied the validity of the claims about a neutral venue, stating that the BCCI has not yet made any official announcements regarding the tournament’s arrangements.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 19, 2025, and is set to be hosted by Pakistan for the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup and the 2008 Asia Cup. Matches are planned across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. To address security concerns, Pakistan has decided to host all matches involving India in Lahore, where security will be enhanced to accommodate Indian fans.
Despite these preparations, the issue of India’s participation is still pending. The BCCI has left the decision to the Indian government, which has yet to take an official position. Pakistan, the current Champions Trophy holders, won the last edition in 2017 under Sarfraz Ahmed’s captaincy. The outcome of this year’s tournament remains uncertain, depending on the resolution of venue and participation matters.
