The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February 2025, featuring the top seven ODI teams along with the host nation. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus. However, there is uncertainty surrounding India’s participation, as the BCCI has expressed reservations about traveling to Pakistan.
The Indian cricket team’s situation is complicated by the political tensions between India and Pakistan. The last time India played in Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup, and their most recent bilateral series occurred in January 2013. Since then, encounters between the two nations have been limited to ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed Rohit Sharma as the captain for the tournament, with Gautam Gambhir taking on his first major assignment as the new head coach. This tournament also holds potential significance as it might be the last white-ball competition for veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom retired from T20Is after India’s World Cup win in June.
The BCCI is likely to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift the tournament venue to Sri Lanka or the UAE. This follows the precedent set during the 2023 Asia Cup, where a hybrid model saw Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosting, and India playing its matches in Sri Lanka.
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, stated in May 2025 that the Indian team’s participation depends on government approval. He emphasized that the BCCI would follow the Indian government’s directives regarding travel to Pakistan.
If the ICC declines the venue change and India withdraws from the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka will replace them. Sri Lanka, the 2002 Champions Trophy winners, missed qualifying for the 2023 ODI World Cup group stage, marking their first absence from the tournament.
