After the T20 World Cup this year, another ICC tournament is lined up for the next year. In 2025, Pakistan is all set to organize the Champions Trophy. After 2017, the Champions Trophy is coming back. Rumors suggested that Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi might invite India for a series in 2025. However, there were no proposals at the ICC Annual Conference in Colombo for a neutral-ground T20I series between the two teams.
Denying the Bilateral Series Against India:
There have been rumors that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is interested in arranging a T20I series against India, with Colombo suggested as a potential venue. However, these rumors were not addressed during the ICC meeting with the PCB in Colombo.
According to a source, the PCB has dismissed these rumors, stating that they are focused on preparing to host the Champions Trophy in their own country next year. Additionally, the international cricket schedule is already very full, leaving no room for an India-Pakistan series at this time.
The source said, “There is no such proposal on the table or under consideration because right now the biggest challenge for us is to organize the Champions Trophy in a befitting manner and we also have a packed international schedule.”
Uncertainty Looms over India’s Participation in Champions Trophy:
The ICC’s official statement from the conference did not mention the Champions Trophy. This tournament is set to take place in Pakistan starting February 19. India is scheduled to play against Pakistan in Lahore on March 1.
However, reports suggest that the BCCI may not send the team to Pakistan. Instead, they might propose a hybrid model similar to the one used for the 2023 Asia Cup. The Indian team, now under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, began their new journey with a departure from Mumbai for the Sri Lank tour. They will play three T20Is on July 27, 28, and 30, followed by a three-match ODI series starting August 1.
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