BCCI's vice president responds to reports of Pakistan boycotting T20 World Cup in 2026
1. Rajeev Shukla says "waiting for the approval of the Indian government" to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Vice President, Rajeev Shukla, responded to reports of Pakistan potentially boycotting the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India will host, if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players' auction, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI is awaiting government approval to travel to Pakistan. He also stated that Pakistan can make any claims regarding their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.
"Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government [to participate in the Champions Trophy]," Shukla said.
Another senior BCCI official acknowledged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might react if India does not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands. Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding the Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes,” the official stated.
The PCB remains firm on its stance of hosting all Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan, despite rumors of a neutral venue or alternative plan. Reports indicate that the Indian cricket team may play their matches at a neutral venue instead of traveling to Pakistan.
Three venues—Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—are set to host the matches of the eight participating teams. According to the PCB's proposed schedule to the ICC, all of India's matches will take place in Lahore.
Except for India, all other participating teams have played in Pakistan, and the PCB believes that India lacks a valid reason not to visit.
The proposed dates for the Champions Trophy are from February 19 to March 9.
This event will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with the last tournament held in 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final.
