India's fans erupted in cheers during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup cricket match between Pakistan and India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on October 6, 2024. Photo: AFP

Pakistan media has alleged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has communicated in writing to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that India will not be traveling to Pakistan to compete in the Champions Trophy next year. This development follows reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC that the Indian team would not be participating in the prestigious tournament in 2025 due to strained political relations between the two countries.

India has not visited Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asia Cup. The arch-rivals last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, a white-ball series, and now primarily compete in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. India has maintained its position of not traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Earlier this year, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated that India would only travel to Pakistan if the Indian government permits it.

On Sunday, renowned Pakistan commentator and journalist Nauman Niaz revealed on X that the PCB has been informed by the ICC about India's decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. He also disclosed that the Pakistan board is also considering not playing India in any format at any level.

Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup, but the tournament was conducted in a hybrid model. India played its matches in Sri Lanka while the rest of the matches were held in Pakistan. Later that year, India hosted the ODI World Cup, and the Pakistan team participated, receiving a warm welcome from fans. Notably, Pakistan also traveled to India for the T20 World Cup in 2016, which was won by the West Indies.

Recently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the possibility of holding the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model. "I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB," Naqvi said while addressing reporters in Lahore.

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