India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy could lead to Pakistan lobbying against India’s 2036 Olympic bid, escalating tensions between the two nations.
New Delhi: India’s decision to not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy has raised significant concerns, casting doubt on the tournament’s future, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm on hosting the event entirely in Pakistan.
India has not played a cricket match in Pakistan since 2008, and there were expectations for the 2025 Champions Trophy to follow a hybrid model. However, the PCB’s firm stance on hosting the event entirely in Pakistan could have significant implications on the sporting relationship between India and Pakistan.
According to a report by GEO NEWS, Pakistan is prepared to withdraw from playing against India in any international event until the Men in Blue agree to visit Pakistan.
The same report further states that the Pakistan government has decided to lobby against India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with plans to formally communicate to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that India has ‘politicized sporting competitions.’
Last week, India confirmed that they had sent a letter of intent to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the Future Hosts Commission (FHC) of the IOC. This decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement during the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai last year, where he revealed India’s intention to host the prestigious event.
India is set to face tough competition for the rights to host the 2036 Olympics, with Indonesia (Nusantara), Turkey (Istanbul), and Chile (Santiago) also in the race. More nominations are expected as the bidding process unfolds.
India has yet to confirm which city will host the 2036 Olympics, but Ahmedabad has emerged as a strong contender. While Delhi has previously hosted the Asian Games (1951 and 1982) and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, if India secures the rights, it will mark the first time the country hosts the Olympic Games.