LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chair Richard Thompson has said that it would not be in cricket’s best interest if India decided against participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played in Pakistan.
India’s participation remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks approval from the Indian government to travel to Pakistan, a country the Indian team has not visited since 2008.
Addressing the potential ramifications of India’s absence, Thompson said, “It would not be in cricket’s interests for India not to be playing.” He urged India to resolve the matter amicably, acknowledging the significant role that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah will play in this decision.
“There’s geopolitics, and then there’s cricketing geopolitics. I think they’ll find a way. They have to find a way,” Thompson added.
ECB’s leadership, including Chief Executive Richard Gould, is currently visiting Pakistan, where they spoke to British journalists during the ongoing Test series between Pakistan and England.
The Champions Trophy, set to feature eight top teams based on their performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will include India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the tournament’s defending champions.
Pakistan won the last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India in a memorable final in England.
