India’s potential participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, with bilateral cricket between the two nations paused since 2013.
The Champions Trophy draft schedule indicates that India’s matches are slated for Lahore. However, the BCCI is reportedly hesitant and has suggested a hybrid model.
This situation raises the possibility that star batter Virat Kohli might never play a match in Pakistan. Kohli, who has retired from T20Is, now focuses on ODIs, Tests, and the IPL.
Former Pakistani captain Younis Khan has called for India to visit Pakistan, stating that it is the “only thing left” in Kohli’s illustrious career.
“Virat Kohli should come to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. It is our wish too. I think the only thing left in Virat’s career is to tour Pakistan and perform,” Younis Khan remarked.
Kohli last played a bilateral series against Pakistan during their limited-overs tour in India in December 2012. The 35-year-old has consistently excelled against Pakistan in white-ball formats in the Asia Cup and World Cups but hasn’t faced them in Test cricket yet.
An Indian media report suggests that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has left it to the ICC to persuade the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled for early next year.
The report also mentioned that while the Champions Trophy budget was approved at recent ICC meetings in Colombo, the schedule and format were not discussed.