Last update:08 November 2024, 15:05 IST

The BCCI has reportedly demanded a neutral venue for the Indian team’s matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan remain suspended. (PTI photo)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it will not be sending its men’s team for next year’s Champions Trophy across the border, according to a report. The BCCI wants India’s matches to be played at a neutral venue, with Dubai leading the race.

“Yes, BCCI has conveyed its concerns regarding the Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. They want to play matches at a neutral venue and Dubai is the strong contender to host the matches involving the Men in Blue,” a source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Ever since the ICC awarded the 2025 Champions Trophy to Pakistan, there have been concerns about India’s participation in the landmark event given the diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.

The competition schedule is expected to be announced by November 11.

Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year in a hybrid format after India refused to travel to the country. The team led by Rohit Sharma played all their matches in Sri Lanka.

According to the publication, Dubai has become the most neutral venue to host India’s matches given its past success with hosting high-profile cricket tournaments, with the ICC also having its headquarters in the city.

“There are no problems in Dubai. Hotels are not a problem, logistics are not a problem, everything can be handled smoothly. And the ICC has things under control when it comes to Dubai,” TOI quoted the source as saying.

The BCCI is yet to make any public comment on India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, which will be held for the first time since 2017.

Meanwhile, news agency PTI reported on Thursday that the PCB is willing to make adjustments to the Champions Trophy schedule.

“The PCB feels that even if the Indian government does not accept the Pakistan tour, small adjustments can be made to the schedule as in all likelihood India will play their matches in Dubai or Sharjah,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by PTI.