Notably, India has not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Pakistan had played a bilateral series in India in 2012 but since then the two teams have not engaged in any bilateral series. They, however, played each in the ICC events with Pakistan touring India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The two boards even adopted a hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup which preceded the ODI World Cup. India played their matches including the final in Sri Lanka. This time, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, however, insisted on a formula on equal terms.
“At the moment, we are talking to settle it once for all. I promise, whatever will happen will happen on equal terms. Whatever it is, it would be for the long term not only for the Champions Trophy. Things will be decided for the upcoming tournaments as well,” Naqvi had earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the announcement on Thursday became the first major decision taken by the ICC after former BCCI secretary Jay Shah took over as the chair of the world body.
Pakistan won the last edition defeating India in the final. It was played in the UK in 2017.
The top-eight teams from the 2023 ODI WC qualified for the Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka missing out as they finished ninth, only ahead of the Netherlands. For the 2025 Champions Trophy, eight teams will be divided into two groups with the top two sides from each group advancing to the semifinals.
