Cricket matches between India and Pakistan are highly intense, often reflecting political tensions between the two countries.
India has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it cannot travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19 to March 9 next year.
Since the 2008 Asia Cup, India has not toured Pakistan due to political and security concerns.
Bilateral series between the two countries have stopped, with matches limited to ICC events or played in neutral venues like India.
Pakistan had hoped India would reciprocate by playing in Pakistan during the 2023 World Cup, but India refused.
Pakistan suggested India play in Lahore while staying in India, but this was also rejected.
India might prefer to play its Champions Trophy games, including the final, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rather than in Pakistan.
The situation is complicated by Jay Shah (son of India’s Home Minister) being the ICC chairman-elect and BCCI Secretary, adding a political dimension to the cricketing matter.
The security situation in Pakistan remains a key issue, especially since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
Despite this, some countries have resumed tours to Pakistan.
Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli, have not played a Test match against Pakistan in recent years, and this is likely to continue due to ongoing tensions.
There is a possibility that the Champions Trophy could be split between Pakistan and the UAE, with India avoiding travel to Pakistan.
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