The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February to March 2025 in Pakistan. Due to strained relations between India and Pakistan, India has not participated in any cricket tournaments in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. The last bilateral series between the two nations took place in India from December 2012 to January 2013. Since then, they have only faced each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. There is uncertainty surrounding India's involvement in the upcoming event due to the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board suggested that India play all their matches in Lahore for the tournament. However, reports indicate that the Indian board is not keen on traveling to Pakistan. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla mentioned in May that the Indian team would only go to Pakistan for the tournament if approved by the central government.
Shukla stated, "For the Champions Trophy, we will abide by the instructions of the Government of India. We will send our team only if permitted by the Indian government. Therefore, our decision will be in accordance with the directives of the Indian government."
During the previous Asia Cup, a similar scenario occurred where the Pakistan Cricket Board had to implement a hybrid strategy due to certain circumstances. This resulted in all of India's matches, including those against Pakistan, being held in Sri Lanka.
The final match of the tournament, which was won by India, was held in Colombo. Despite Pakistan suggesting the idea of a hybrid approach for the ODI World Cup in India the year before, it was ultimately dismissed.
Pakistan currently holds the title of defending champions from the last Champions Trophy, which took place in 2017.
