As per a report by The Dawn, Pakistan are expected to pull out of the 2025 Champions Trophy, if the hosting rights are stripped of the country. This comes on the wake of the Indian team’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the showpiece event, based on the guidance from the central government.
Recently, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson confirmed that they have received a mail from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s firm decision to not cross the border to play the tournament. As a result, they forwarded the mail to the Pakistan government and sought advice from them on how to proceed in this matter.
The eight-team Champions Trophy is slated to be played from February 19 to March 9 next year. The schedule was also expected to be out this week, but the latest development has disrupted everything.
According to The Dawn, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has ruled out the hybrid model, where India will play games in a different country, and avoid visiting Pakistan. The Asia Cup 2023 also opted for same model, where Pakistan hosted the first leg, while Sri Lanka hosted India games and the latter stage of the tournament.
Now, there are rumors that ICC is mulling to shift the entire tournament to another country, with South Africa being the probable contender. However, a source close to PCB has claimed that the national team may pull out of the tournament, if ICC stages the tournament in a different country.
“In such a case, one of the options the government is mulling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan don’t participate in the Champions Trophy,” a source said, adding that the federal government was looking at the issue “seriously”.
Amid tensions between neighbors, the Pakistan government is also expected to request the PCB to refuse playing against India in ICC or Asian Cricket Council tournaments.
Suryakumar Yadav’s honest answer to Pakistan fan of India not visiting country for Champions Trophy
Recently, a clip went viral where a Pakistan fan could be asking Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav on why they are refusing to come to Pakistan for playing Champions Trophy. Surya gave an honest reply, saying that the final decision is not their hands, implying that the government or BCCI takes care of the matter.
Here’s how the conversation went:
A fan said:
“Tell me why are you not coming to Pakistan”
Surya replied:
“Brother, it is not in our hands”
Interestingly, the Champions Trophy will be conducted in a 50-over format, and Suryakumar Yadav isn’t expected to be named in the squad. He is currently leading the Men in Blue in a four-match T20I series in South Africa. After the conclusion of two games, both teams are tied 1-1.
