The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President, Rajeev Shukla, has put an end to the swirling rumors about whether the Indian cricket team will participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan next year. Speaking to the press, Shukla clarified that the Indian team's visit is conditional solely on the approval of the central government.
"The ICC Champions Trophy is an international commitment, and we will follow whatever the Indian government decides," Shukla stated firmly. He added, "We will send Team India to Pakistan only if we receive the government's nod. We act strictly according to the government’s directives."
The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February-March next year. However, the possibility of the Indian team traveling to Pakistan was questioned amidst media speculations. The BCCI's statement now makes it clear that the Indian team's participation hinges entirely on political and security clearances from the Indian government.
It's noteworthy that the last time the Indian cricket team played in Pakistan was back in 2008 during the Asia Cup. Since then, due to strained bilateral relations primarily over terrorism concerns, the teams have only faced each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup, avoiding bilateral visits.
Last year, when Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup, the matches involving India were moved to Sri Lanka due to the Indian team's reservations about traveling to Pakistan. Similarly, during the ODI World Cup in 2023 hosted by India, Pakistan participated but was eliminated in the group rounds, playing their matches across various Indian venues.
