Pakistan Likely To Approach CAS Over India’s Refusal To Travel For CT: Reports

Mumbai: Pakistan is reportedly considering taking its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following India’s refusal to travel for the 2025 Champions Trophy, according to sources. The tension between the two cricket boards stems from the longstanding political strains between India and Pakistan, which have prevented a bilateral series for over a decade.

While Pakistan travelled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India’s willingness to reciprocate for the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain. Media reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a “hybrid model” allowing India to play its matches in Dubai rather than Pakistan. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi denied any such proposal, asserting Pakistan’s insistence that all tournament matches be held domestically.

The BCCI has reportedly informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan. “This is an ICC event, and BCCI has informed the global body it won’t travel to Pakistan,” a BCCI source told PTI, speaking anonymously. The ICC is expected to determine the next steps, as it typically releases event schedules 100 days before the tournament begins.

In response, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s federal interior minister, stated that any decision from India’s side would necessitate consultation with Pakistan’s government for further directives. With Dubai emerging as a possible neutral venue, given its recent experience hosting major tournaments and high-capacity stadiums, it could serve as a compromise location should the situation escalate to CAS.

The 2025 Champions Trophy scheduling and venue decision, ultimately in the ICC’s hands, is likely to become clearer as the tournament date approaches.

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