Ninth team likely for 2025 Champions Trophy if India refuses to visit Pakistan

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written reasons for its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

Sources close to the matter have confirmed that the Indian Cricket Board had verbally communicated its stance to the ICC, but now the governing body is seeking a more detailed explanation in writing.

As per ICC regulations, the BCCI is required to submit valid reasons for not sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the prestigious event. Pakistan’s Cricket Board (PCB) had previously asked for a written copy of the communication from the BCCI, as the absence of India could lead to substantial consequences for the tournament.

Once the BCCI submits its reasons, the ICC is expected to review the validity of those justifications. If deemed insufficient, the ICC may demand that the Indian team participate. In the event of a continued refusal by India, it is believed that the ICC could add a ninth team to the Champions Trophy lineup.

The situation has far-reaching financial implications. The absence of India from the tournament would result in a significant revenue loss, estimated at $500 million for the ICC, due to the lack of broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and advertisement opportunities tied to India-Pakistan matchups. The Indian Board would also face a loss of approximately $100 million as the absence of matches between the two arch-rivals would impact their financial returns.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, will feature eight teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Originally, the schedule was expected to be revealed on November 11 in Lahore, where all of India's matches were proposed to take place. However, the delay in finalizing India’s participation has postponed the announcement.

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