Photo Credit: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan‘s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has called on the Indian team to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, assuring fans would warmly welcome the Men in Blue if they participate.
However, the BCCI has not yet confirmed India’s participation in the tournament.
“Fans in Pakistan love Indian players, and they would be thrilled to see them if they play in Pakistan. They will get a warm welcome in Pakistan,” Rizwan stated.
India last competed in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, where they lost to Sri Lanka in the final. Since then, India has not toured Pakistan due to political tensions between the nations.
Pakistan’s last bilateral series in India was in 2012 for ODIs, and they have also traveled to India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. The most recent India-Pakistan encounter was in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where India won by six runs.
The ICC has outlined three scenarios for the 2025 Champions Trophy due to uncertainty over India’s involvement. The first scenario envisions all matches in Pakistan. If India opts out, Plan B involves a hybrid model where India’s matches would be hosted at a neutral venue, with Dubai as the preferred location, a method recently used in the 2023 Asia Cup. Plan C would relocate the entire tournament outside Pakistan, with Dubai, South Africa, and Sri Lanka as potential hosts, while the PCB retains hosting rights.
The PCB has already proposed a tentative Champions Trophy schedule to the ICC, with matches starting on February 19 and concluding on March 9, in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The ICC’s decision is anticipated by November.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
