New Delhi: With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, questions loom over whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Due to political tensions, India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series for over a decade, only facing each other in international tournaments. While Pakistan visited India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm whether India will reciprocate by traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Former Indian cricket spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the matter, asserting that India should not travel to Pakistan unless the safety of its players can be assured. He emphasized that the Indian government should only consider the decision if Pakistan can guarantee full security for the team.
Harbhajan stated, “What they say is what they think is right while what we say is our point of view. I feel the security concerns are always there, and if the security of the players is not ensured there, then I don’t think the team should go there. If they say that the teams will get full security and there is no hassle, then it’s on the government to think and make decisions because, in the end, it’s not just about cricketing matters, and the issue goes beyond. As a cricketer, I can say if you wish to play cricket, play cricket, but the security concern is always there, and players should not go there until the security is guaranteed.”
Earlier, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that India should not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. He proposed Dubai as a more suitable venue, advocating for a hybrid model where some matches could be played at a neutral location.
“Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it, and then the ICC will make its decision, and most likely, it will be a hybrid model, it will be played in Dubai. The media gets hype, and everyone’s videos get likes because the big matchup is good, so it will sell. So I think this is a reality, and it will definitely be a hybrid model,” Kaneria said.
He added, “The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. There are many things. I think BCCI is doing a great job. I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model.”
As discussions continue, the final decision regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, with player safety and diplomatic considerations at the forefront.
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