New Delhi, India

In the latest development surrounding Team India’s chances of participating in the Champions Trophy 2025, the BCCI has conveyed to the PCB that India will not travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament, citing security reasons. Instead, the BCCI has pushed for India games to be held at a neutral venue, with Dubai emerging as the best option.

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"Yes, the BCCI has conveyed their concerns regarding Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. They want to play matches at a neutral venue, and Dubai is the strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue," a source close to the information confirmed, as quoted by Times of India (TOI).

Following BCCI’s latest statement of not sending Team India to Pakistan, the host board – Pakistan Cricket Board and the apex body – the ICC, who confirmed sharing the proposed draft schedule with each participating board earlier, will now be bound to make changes to the final schedule, likely bringing in the hybrid model for this tournament starting February 19. 

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Even last year, BCCI did not send the Indian Team to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2024, with Sri Lanka roped in as the last-minute co-host.

Meanwhile, per the original plan, the ICC and PCB were supposed to release the final schedule on Monday (Nov 11); however, with the BCCI deciding against sending their team across the border, it remains to be seen when the modified schedule is released.

Dubai suits BCCI

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Dubai has hosted several cricketing tournaments for a long time, including the Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups, respectively. With Dubai ticking all the boxes for the BCCI and the Indian government, including security concerns, logistics and whatnot, the Indian Cricket Board is tilted towards bringing it in as the tournament's co-host.

“There are no issues in Dubai. Hotels are not a problem, logistics not a problem, everything can be handled smoothly. And ICC does have things in control when it comes to Dubai,” the source added.

Meanwhile, per the draft schedule, Pakistan handpicked three cities to host the Champions Trophy 2025 – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, with several reports suggesting that India was placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh.

As reported by WION earlier, the proposed schedule included India’s matches against Bangladesh in Lahore on February 20, New Zealand on the 23rd and the marquee clash against the hosts Pakistan on March 1 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Besides, in the current scenario, if Dubai is added to the Champions Trophy itinerary, it will stage Team India’s knockout matches should they qualify. 

(With inputs from agencies)