In response to reports that Pakistan might boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has emphasized that the Board is awaiting approval from the Indian government before making any decisions.
Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction, Shukla stated, “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].”
A senior BCCI official also commented on the potential fallout from not traveling to Pakistan. “Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands.
Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding the Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” the official said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains resolute in its decision to host all Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan, despite speculation about a neutral venue.
The event will be held from February 19 to March 9, with Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore as potential host cities. According to the PCB’s proposed schedule to the ICC, all of India’s matches would take place in Lahore.
With the Champions Trophy marking its return after an eight-year hiatus—last held in 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final—the PCB insists that India should participate as planned, given that all other participating teams have previously played in Pakistan.
