NEW DELHI: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has commented on the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year.
Speaking to the media, Sharma clarified that the decision will ultimately be made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), not the players.
“The decision is not in our hands,” Sharma said. “It will be made by the cricket boards, and we are focused on the tournament ahead.”
He further explained that player input does not influence such travel decisions, as these matters are for the cricket boards to decide. “If we are sent to Pakistan, there will be no issue,” Sharma added.
The tournament, set to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, faces uncertainty over whether India will participate, as the BCCI has reportedly told the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India’s participation in ICC Champion Trophy 2025 depends on guidance from the Indian government.
This has raised questions about the viability of Pakistan hosting the event in full, with discussions about a “hybrid model” that could see games split between Pakistan and alternative venues like the UAE or Sri Lanka.
In response to India’s stance, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi ruled out the hybrid model and expressed disappointment over the lack of formal communication from the BCCI and ICC.
Naqvi stated that the PCB is continuing preparations for the tournament as planned, without any official discussions about a hybrid hosting arrangement.
Meanwhile, the ICC has postponed an important schedule announcement, scheduled for November 11, as it seeks further discussions with stakeholders.
Pakistan, the winners of the last Champions Trophy in 2017, will host the ICC Champions Trophy in its three cities Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will feature eight teams competing in a round-robin format, with matches split into two groups leading to semi-finals and a final.
