Champions Trophy: ‘India to take timely call’

INDIAN sports minister Anurag Thakur has said the Government of India and the ministry of home affairs will take a call on India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan at an appropriate time.

His remarks came after the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed names of 14 nations that will host its men’s white-ball events between 2024 and 2031. The Champions Trophy, which was last held in England in 2017 and Pakistan won it defeating India in the final, will be held in the Asian nation which has remained sidelined as an international cricket host for a long time over security concerns since the Sri Lankan national team faced terror threats while touring that country in 2009.

When asked about his views regarding Pakistan being the host at a media interaction, Thakur, who has also been the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said, ‘When the time will come, the Indian government and the Home Ministry will take a decision. During the international championships, all the factors are looked upon.’

‘Even in the past, many countries have refused to play in Pakistan due to security concerns. As you all know, many players were even attacked while playing over there and that’s a big issue to be dealt with,’ he added.