Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi took to X to share his displeasure on India’s stance regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send the national team to Pakistan for the marquee event next year.
The move has irked Pakistan, who agreed to a hybrid model in the 2023 Asia Cup and also visited India to play the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has refuted the claims of the tournament being held in a neutral venue, putting the tournament in jeopardy.
As per Afridi, the Indian team should visit Pakistan for promoting the message of peace and unity. He also wants other teams to come to the country to experience the hospitality they offer for the visitors. He posted:
“Cricket is at a crucial crossroads, facing perhaps one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. Now is the time to put differences aside and let the game unite us. If countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, why can’t we do the same for cricket – and for the Champions Trophy?”
“As stewards of this game, we owe it to cricket to keep egos in check and focus on its growth and spirit. I hope to see every team in Pakistan for CT25, to experience our warmth and hospitality, and to leave with unforgettable memories that transcend the field,” he added.
It’s been 16 years since India last visited Pakistan. The Men in Blue emerged as the runner-up in the 2008 Asia Cup after losing to Sri Lanka in Karachi. On the other hand, Pakistan toured India in 2012 for five white-ball games (2 T20Is and 3 ODIs).
Since then, both sides have been up against each other in ICC or Asian Cricket Council tournaments. According to PCB chief, they will refuse to play India even in these tournaments, if they refuse to visit their country for the Champions Trophy.
Mohammad Rizwan welcomes India to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan
Newly appointed Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has dropped a heartfelt message for the Indian team and invited them to play the 2025 Champions Trophy. He hoped for a quick resolution amid the tussle between both boards and the respective governments.
“KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are all welcome. All the players who will come, we will welcome them. This is not our decision, this is PCB’s decision. Whatever decision will take place, hopefully they will all discuss and take the right call. But we are hopeful that if the Indian players will come, we will welcome them,” Rizwan said in a press conference for the T20I series against Australia.
Meanwhile, Rizwan and Co. started the T20I series against Australia on a bad note. They conceded 93 runs off seven overs in a rain-shortened game and then lost by 29 runs. On a personal front, he was dismissed for a duck by Xavier Bartlett. However, the side would look to make a comeback as they did to win the ODI series.
