“If India doesn’t come to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh can follow their path”: Former PCB chief

As the PCB looks to stage the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy entirely in Pakistan, India’s refusal to travel to the neighboring country appears to be a major concern. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19 in Karachi and the final of the eight-team tournament will be played on March 9 in Lahore. However, chances are high that India will not travel to Pakistan due to diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Khalid Mahmood feels that India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy would be an unprofitable venture for the PCB and the ICC.

“They have very, very little chance of agreeing to play in Pakistan,” PTI quoted Mahmood as saying.

“India is the richest cricket board and has a lot of influence. If they don’t send their team to Pakistan, I foresee even countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh following their way. This would virtually reduce the Champions Trophy to a business where revenues will be hit, expenses will go up and profits will go down,” he added.

Mahmood, a former Pakistan team manager, also said that the PCB should follow its policy of not mixing sports and politics.

“Look at this level you can only lobby and try to get other councils to be on your side. India has too much influence in the ICC, so it would not do Pakistan any good to adopt a tit for tat strategy. The thing is, when the BCCI says it cannot send its team and will play its matches outside Pakistan, it reduces the purpose of Pakistan to host an ICC event,” he asserted.

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Media reports claim that Pakistan will not deviate from its stance of hosting all Pakistan Champions Trophy matches, but will maintain its position as “Pakistan’s event in Pakistan”.

India last traveled to Pakistan in July 2008 to participate in the Asia Cup. In the last 16 years, Pakistan has traveled to India once for the bilateral series (in 2012–2013) and twice for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Media reports claim that Pakistan will not deviate from its stance of hosting all Pakistan Champions Trophy matches, but will maintain its position as “Pakistan’s event in Pakistan”.

India last traveled to Pakistan in July 2008 to participate in the Asia Cup. In the last 16 years, Pakistan has traveled to India once for the bilateral series (in 2012–2013) and twice for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.