“BCCI Reacts to Pakistan’s Boycott”
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla responded to allegations that Pakistan may boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup India will host if they refuse to visit to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025. Shukla said during the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction that the BCCI is waiting for government sanction to visit Pakistan. The vice president added that Pakistan can say whatever they want about the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host.
“Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government [to participate in the Champions Trophy],” added Shukla. However, another top BCCI official said the PCB will react if India does not come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Of course we expect revenge. We must visit Pakistan or they will boycott the Asia Cup. PCB should realize BCCI doesn’t control it. The Indian government must approve sending a team abroad. We’ve discussed Champions Trophy. A senior BCCI official stated there have been no encouraging results.
Despite rumors of a neutral venue or plan B, the PCB will host all Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the country. India will not play neutral matches in Pakistan, according to reports. Eight teams will play in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with all of India’s matches in Lahore, according to PCB’s proposed schedule to ICC.
All eight Champions Trophy teams except India have played in Pakistan, and the PCB sees no reason for India not to come. The projected Champions Trophy dates are 19 February–9 March. The last ICC Champions Trophy was held in 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final.
