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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) leadership has made it clear that India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy is non-negotiable. With the tournament scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are preparing for an event that may witness some tension. India hasn’t toured Pakistan for a cricket series since 2008, and the possibility of their participation remains uncertain due to political issues between the two nations.
Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, and Richard Thompson, the board’s chair, voiced their concerns about the potential absence of India from the competition. Both emphasized that cricket’s heavy reliance on broadcast revenue makes it essential for India to be part of the event. “A Champions Trophy without India is simply not an option,” said Thompson, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The India-Pakistan Dilemma
With strained relations between India and Pakistan, this isn’t the first time cricket has been impacted by political dynamics. Last year, India did not send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, leading to a hybrid model where India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka. Conversely, Pakistan participated fully in the 2023 World Cup in India, narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot. Now, as Pakistan gears up to host their first major ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup, all eyes are on whether India will make the trip.
Broadcast Rights Driving Decisions
Both Gould and Thompson underscored the financial implications if India or Pakistan were absent from the tournament. “Without India or Pakistan, the broadcast rights wouldn’t hold up, and that’s something we must protect,” said Gould. He also acknowledged that while alternative models, such as a hybrid format, are on the table, the goal is to have both teams play in Pakistan.
The final decision on India’s participation will ultimately rest with the Indian government, which must approve any overseas tours. Thompson believes that even if this issue goes down to the wire, history has shown that a solution is likely. “There’s geopolitics, and there’s cricketing geopolitics,” he noted. “India’s participation is crucial, and they will find a way to make it happen.”
Pakistan’s Commitment to Hosting
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains committed to hosting a full tournament on home soil. With no major ICC events in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, the PCB is determined to showcase the best of Pakistani cricket. The Champions Trophy is set to feature eight teams – Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa – split into two groups, followed by semi-finals and a final. While fixtures are yet to be confirmed, early drafts suggest India could play all their matches in Lahore.
Gould and Thompson, currently in Pakistan for ICC meetings, expressed optimism about the tournament’s success, regardless of the political hurdles. “This is a big moment for Pakistan cricket,” said Gould, “and we are confident there will be a full competition.”
Looking Ahead to Champions Trophy 2025
With both sides acknowledging the importance of India’s involvement, the next few months will be critical in shaping the future of the Champions Trophy. As Thompson concluded, “These things tend to go to the wire, but I believe India will participate, and the tournament will go ahead as planned.”
