New Delhi: The ongoing drama surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy continues, as it is now confirmed that India will not be participating in the 2025 tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. A spokesperson from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed to Hindustan Times that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed them that India will not be sending its team to Pakistan for the event, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

The PCB representative also stated that they have forwarded the ICC's official communication to the Government of Pakistan and will await their guidance before making a final decision on the matter.

"The PCB has received an email from the ICC, which states that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This email has been forwarded to the Government of Pakistan for further advice," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the ongoing discussions about the tournament revealed that the official schedule for the Champions Trophy is still under deliberation. "The schedule has not been finalized yet, as we are still in talks with the host nation and the participating countries. Once everything is confirmed, we will announce it through our official channels," the source added.

Rashid Latif Warns of Pakistan’s Pullout

Earlier reports confirmed that the BCCI’s decision to pull out of the Champions Trophy came after consulting with the Government of India, with security concerns being the primary factor.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is currently set to be hosted in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with the world’s top eight teams expected to compete.
In response to India's withdrawal, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif suggested that Pakistan may also pull out of the tournament if India does not participate. "If India refuses to come, Pakistan may take a strong stand and decide not to take part in the event either," Latif remarked during an interview with Geo News. "You can say India doesn't want to play bilateral series, but ICC events are binding, and India has already committed to this tournament."

Latif’s comments echo the sentiments of Pakistan's frustration with India's non-participation in key cricket events on their soil. A similar situation occurred last year when the Asia Cup, initially scheduled to be played in Pakistan, was moved to a hybrid model with India's matches hosted in Sri Lanka.

India’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup, and there have been no major bilateral tours since.