Photo Credit: ICC
Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas has emphasized that India should travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the Indian team is hesitant to make the trip, citing safety concerns for players in Pakistan amid the high-stakes event.
Zaheer Abbas warned that India’s potential withdrawal from the Champions Trophy 2025 could negatively impact the spirit of international cricket. He highlighted that the rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most thrilling in sports, drawing global attention whenever the two teams compete.
Abbas expressed concern that without India’s participation, the Champions Trophy 2025 might lack excitement, stating that nothing generates buzz in cricket like a match between India and Pakistan. Currently, the two teams meet primarily in multi-nation tournaments due to their strained diplomatic relations.
Pakistan had previously visited India for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, even though the Indian team did not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year, leading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the tournament in a hybrid format with Sri Lanka accommodating India’s matches.
Zaheer Abbas commented, “If they don’t want to come, I mean it’s no good for cricket. Because if India and Pakistan are playing, nothing like it, then the world is watching all over the world because cricket is really a big thing over these two countries.”
Meanwhile, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla has reiterated that no official decision has been made regarding the Indian team’s visit to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. He clarified that the BCCI always seeks approval from the Indian government before any international tours and will follow government guidance. Shukla also noted that the ICC has not set any deadline for the BCCI to decide on the matter.
Rajiv Shukla stated, “No decision has been taken on it. But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek permission from the government. It’s up to the government to decide whether or not our team should go to any country. Whatever the government decides, we will abide by it. The ICC has not given the BCCI any deadline to make a decision on India’s stance regarding visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.”
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
