New Delhi: India cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the Indian cricket board (BCCI) will ask the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka. Since 2008s Asia Cup, India has not played any cricket tournaments in Pakistan due to tense relationships between both nations. Indias avoidance of PakistanDespite Pakistans hosting of the Asia Cup last year, India, eventually crowned champions, did not play any matches in Pakistan. Citing governmental constraints, Indias matches, including against Pakistan, were relocated to Sri Lanka under a hybrid model arranged by tournament organizers.Champions Trophy in Pakistan raises concernsThe upcoming Champions Trophy, slated for February and March next year, is set to be held in Pakistan. This tournament marks Pakistans first major cricket event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Specific match dates, spanning from February 19 to March 9, are expected to be finalized soon.Indias preparations amidst diplomatic challengesPrior to the Champions Trophy, Indias cricket schedule includes six ODIs. They will face Sri Lanka in a three-match series away and then host England for another three matches in early February.Echoes of the Asia Cups hybrid modelThe situation echoes the Asia Cup held last year, where Indias matches were relocated due to political sensitivities. Despite discussions in the past about a hybrid approach for India in the ODI World Cup hosted by India, such a plan never materialized. Pakistan, as defending champions from the 2017 edition, eagerly anticipates hosting the Champions Trophy amidst diplomatic and logistical challenges concerning Indias participation.
