Mumbai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an alternate venue for Team India to play their matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 due to their reluctance to travel to Pakistan. The Indian government is unlikely to permit the Men in Blue to play in Pakistan next year, prompting cricket’s governing body to explore other options, with the UAE emerging as a potential solution.
According to sources, specially chartered flights are likely to be arranged for teams travelling from Pakistan to the UAE. Additionally, one of the semifinals and the final may also be shifted out of Pakistan.
The UAE has a proven track record, having previously hosted the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021 and the Asia Cup in 2022, both of which were initially set to be held in Pakistan but were moved due to India’s stance on playing in the neighbouring country, with which it has been at odds since 1947.
The strained relationship between India and Pakistan has resulted in the complete cessation of bilateral cricket series. Consequently, India and Pakistan only face off in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
BCCI Yet to Decide on Team India’s Participation in Pakistan
On Saturday, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that India has yet to make a decision regarding their participation in the tournament if it is held entirely in Pakistan.
An ANI report suggested that the Indian board would request the ICC to host the tournament in a hybrid model, with India playing their matches either in Sri Lanka or Dubai. However, Shukla dismissed these claims.
“We do not know which source gave such information. BCCI has not put out any official information regarding this,” Shukla told The Print.
Notably, Sri Lanka will qualify for the Champions Trophy next year if India refuses to travel to Pakistan.
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