Champions Trophy: ECB says ‘not in cricket’s interest’ if India decide against playing in Pakistan

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chair Richard Thompson expressed that it would not be in cricket’s best interests for India not to be playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has not yet decided whether to send a team to Pakistan. Pakistan is set to host the prestigious ICC tournament in February of next year, but India’s participation is still up in the air as the BCCI seeks approval from New Delhi to visit the country. Both of the historical rivals have not had a bilateral series since 2012–13, and Thompson urged both South Asian countries to come to a mutually agreeable decision.