PCB confirms receiving e-mail from ICC over India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday, November 10 confirmed that the International Cricket Council has informed them about India's unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in February-March. The PCB added that it has forwarded the e-mail from the ICC to its government for advice and guidance.

Amid much confusion, reports emerged on Saturday about India having informed the ICC that they wouldn't be travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Some reports also claimed that the Men in Blue are ready to play their matches in Dubai as part of a hybrid model arrangement.

Releasing an official statement on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed receiving a written communication from the ICC over India's unwillingness to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year.

"The PCB has received an e-mail from the ICC, stating that the BCCI has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025," the PCB said in a statement, as quoted by PTI.

"The PCB has forwarded that e-mail to the Government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance," the statement added.

Earlier, addressing a press conference on Friday, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had claimed that Pakistan would not agree to host any matches of the 2025 Champions Trophy outside the country.

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India last visited Pakistan in 2008

India's refusal to visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy comes as no surprise. The Men in Blue last played an international match in the neighboring country in 2008 during the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Pakistan toured India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13. They also visited India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup.

In case a hybrid model is agreed upon, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as the most likely destination where India could play their Champions Trophy matches. UAE has successfully organized the Indian Premier League in the past and also hosted the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup recently.

Last year too, Team India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue played all their matches in Sri Lanka in a hybrid model and went on to win the championship by thumping the Lankans in the final in Colombo.