Will India travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy?
As per recent reports though, it seems unlikely with the BCCI set to request ICC to shift the India matches out of Pakistan to either Dubai or Sri Lanka for the competition as it’s unlikely that the government will give the clearance to send its team across the border.
The Champions Trophy is set to return after eight years with Pakistan the last team to win the title when they beat India in 2017. The competition will be held in February and March next year.
India haven’t toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup as the strained relations between the two countries have also impacted the bilateral cricket ties which remain suspended.
The two opponents only play each other in global or continental tournaments with the most recent being the 2024 T20 World Cup when India defeated Pakistan in New York.
Amidst the concerns over India’s participation, an old video of legendary India bowler Harbhajan Singh is going viral on social media.
Harbhajan, on a TV show, can be seen arguing that the safety of Indian players is paramount and if they don’t feel safe in Pakistan, then there’s no question of them playing in the country.
“Agar humare players wahan par jaake safe nahi hain toh nahi bhejenge. Aap na khelo humare saath. Aapko khelna hai toh khelo warna mut khelo. Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan and If you guys can survive without Indian cricket then do it. (If our players cannot feel safe in Pakistan then they won’t travel to the country. If you don’t want to play against India, then don’t. Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan and if you guys can do it then go ahead),” the former India offspinner said on SportsTak.
Meanwhile, as per the draft schedule, India and Pakistan have reportedly been kept in the same group alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. All of India’s games will be held in Lahore.
Comments
0 comment