Anurag Thakur shares his views on India playing in Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has said the Indian government and home ministry will decide on India’s participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had earlier announced the schedule for the Men’s white-ball matches for the next year’s cycle from 2024-2031. Pakistan have finally managed to get the hosting rights for Champions Trophy, which is set to return after eight years.

Due to political tension and constant conflicts, India have not toured Pakistan since 2005-06. Thakur said the decision will rest in the hands of the Indian government as several factors need to be taken into consideration. The primary reason several teams have refused to tour Pakistan is due to security concerns. In recent, teams like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka have toured the country.

“When the time will come, the Indian government and the home ministry will take a decision. During the international championships, all factors are looked upon”, Thakur said according to Times Now.

New Zealand and England have refused to tour Pakistan in the recent past owing to security reasons. Thakur feels it could all boil down to those factors. “Even in past, many countries have refused to play in Pakistan due to security concerns. As you all know, many players were even attacked while playing over there and that’s a big issue to be dealt with,” he added.

14 countries have been finalized by ICC to host two 50-over Cricket World Cups, four 20-20 World Cups, and two Champions Trophy events from 2024-2031. 11 full members and three associate nations will host the global events. India will host three events, the 20-20 World Cup in 2026 along with Sri Lanka, Champions Trophy in October 2029, and Men’s Cricket World Cup along with Bangladesh in 2031. USA and West Indies kick off the new cycle by hosting the 20-20 World Cup in 2024.