Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, responded to rumors that Pakistan will boycott India’s 2026 T20 World Cup if they refused to travel to their neighbor for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking during the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction, Shukla claimed that the BCCI is awaiting permission from their government to visit Pakistan.
The vice president went on to explain that Pakistan is free to express any opinions on their plans to compete in the T20 World Cup in 2026, which Sri Lanka and India will co-host.
As for Pakistan visiting India for the 2026 World Cup, Shukla stated, “We are simply awaiting the Indian government’s approval [to participate in the Champions Trophy].”
However, a top BCCI official also acknowledged that if India chooses not to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will take action.
“Of course, we anticipate reprisals. They’ll threaten to boycott the Asia Cup if we don’t go to Pakistan. However, PCB has to realize that BCCI has no control over it. The Indian government must provide its approval before sending a team abroad. We have had discussions on the Champions Trophy thus far. However, there have been no positive outcomes, a top BCCI official said.
Despite rumors of a neutral venue or backup plan, the PCB is adamant that all 2025 Champions Trophy matches would take place in the nation. According to a rumors, the Indian cricket team would not visit Pakistan to play their matches at a neutral ground.
The matches featuring eight teams will be held in three locations: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. As per the schedule that PCB provided to the ICC, Lahore would host all of India’s matches.
The PCB believes that India does not have a compelling reason not to travel right now, given all eight of the teams competing in the Champions Trophy, with the exception of India, have already played in Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19–March 9 of next year.
