Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has sparked considerable buzz in the cricketing world by stating that there is a fifty percent chance of India traveling to Pakistan for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025. After an eight-year hiatus, the Champions Trophy is set to make a grand return to the International Cricket Council (ICC) calendar, with the previous edition held in 2017.
Pakistan is slated to be the host nation for the global 50-over tournament, scheduled to take place in 2025. However, India’s participation in the event remains uncertain. Notably, India opted not to travel to Pakistan for the ODI Asia Cup the previous year, leading to the tournament being conducted in a hybrid model, which allowed matches to be played in both Pakistan and a neutral venue.
Rashid Latif, a former wicket-keeper batter for Pakistan, expressed optimism on his YouTube channel regarding India’s potential participation in the upcoming tournament. “If Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the ICC chairman, it signifies that the Pakistan Cricket Board has extended its support,” Latif remarked. He continued to share his belief that there is a ‘fifty percent confirmation that India is coming to Pakistan.’
Jay Shah, who is the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has recently been elected as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council, making him the fifth Indian to hold this prestigious position. Shah’s tenure as BCCI Secretary began in 2019, and he has also been serving as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) since 2021.
Upon his appointment as ICC Chairman, Jay Shah underscored his commitment to advancing the sport of cricket. “Cricket is now more inclusive and popular than ever before,” Shah declared, emphasizing his intention to work diligently for the betterment of the sport. Rashid Latif echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Jay Shah’s efforts in promoting cricket at both the BCCI and ICC levels. “Jay Shah’s work has so far been beneficial for cricket, whether it is for the BCCI or ICC,” Latif added during his YouTube broadcast.
Jay Shah, in his new role, expressed his gratitude and sense of responsibility. “I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” he stated.
. Shah also reiterated his dedication to collaborating closely with the ICC team and member nations to globalize cricket further. “We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.”
Shah further elaborated on the strategic direction under his leadership: “While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide.” He added that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 represents a significant turning point for the sport’s expansion. “I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways,” Shah concluded.
The pathway to hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan with India’s participation is fraught with complexities, given the historic and politically charged relationship between the two neighboring countries. The BCCI’s decision regarding participation will undoubtedly be influenced by various factors, including diplomatic relations, security considerations, and logistical feasibility.
The potential of India touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 is more than just a sports event; it carries significant diplomatic weight. The previous instances, where sports served as a bridge between the two nations, provide historical context. Cricket, in particular, has witnessed moments where bilateral series fostered brief periods of goodwill.
For now, the cricket fraternity will be closely monitoring developments and awaiting official communications from both the BCCI and the ICC. With the Champions Trophy being a marquee event that commands global viewership and substantial commercial interest, the final decision regarding India’s participation will be of monumental significance.
As Rashid Latif’s fifty percent forecast leaves cricket aficionados in suspense, the hope is that sports diplomacy can pave the way for a successful and peaceful tournament, highlighting the spirit of cricket and unity. The countdown to the Champions Trophy 2025 has begun, and the world watches with bated breath to see if India will indeed make the historic journey to Pakistan.
