The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its stance on prioritizing the safety of its players and expressed its unwillingness to compromise on security concerns surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla conveyed optimism that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would resolve the ongoing complexities surrounding the tournament, ensuring it proceeds without disruptions.

The BCCI has previously voiced its objections to sending key players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Pakistan, citing player safety as the primary reason. Rajeev Shukla clarified the board’s position further, emphasizing, “The safety of our players is of utmost importance. Under no circumstances are we willing to take any risks regarding this matter. However, we remain hopeful that the issue will be resolved amicably.”

In light of the security concerns, Shukla proposed the adoption of a hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy, similar to the one used for the 2023 Asia Cup. “The BCCI supports organizing the tournament under a hybrid model. ICC Chairman is closely monitoring the situation and engaging in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). We are optimistic that India and Pakistan will find a solution without bitterness, paving the way for a mutually agreeable resolution,” Shukla added.

Pakistan is set to host the 2025 Champions Trophy, a tournament featuring the top eight teams in the One-Day International format. However, the longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan remain a significant obstacle to the event. Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, bilateral cricket series between the two nations have been suspended, with matches limited to multinational tournaments organized under ICC or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) frameworks.

The aftermath of the Mumbai attacks led the BCCI to cease sending Indian teams to Pakistan, citing concerns over player security. This stance was reiterated during the 2023 Asia Cup when India refused to travel to Pakistan, leading to the competition being hosted under a hybrid arrangement, split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The BCCI is now advocating for a similar model for the upcoming Champions Trophy to mitigate security risks.

Conversely, the PCB had shown greater flexibility in recent years, as evidenced by its decision to send the Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, to India for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. This development raised hopes for improved cricketing ties, but disagreements over future tournaments, particularly regarding India’s participation in Pakistan-hosted events, remain unresolved.

Discussions are ongoing within the ICC to determine a way forward that satisfies all stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of the Champions Trophy. Whether the governing body can persuade the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan or decide on a hybrid hosting arrangement has become a major talking point in the global cricketing community.

The outcome of these discussions will not only impact the 2025 Champions Trophy but could also set a precedent for future tournaments involving India and Pakistan. Both cricket boards remain firm on their respective stances, but a resolution will be essential to ensure the successful hosting of one of cricket’s most prestigious events.