In recent discussions surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed strong reservations about the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan. Singh, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha, has voiced concerns regarding the safety and security conditions in Pakistan.
In a statement reflecting his apprehensions, Singh said, “Pakistan kyu jaye Bharat? Wanha safety ke concern hai. Wanha aye din kuch na kuch wardahat hoti hai…Playero ki safety se upar kuch nahi hai.” Translated, this means, “Why should India go to Pakistan? There are a lot of security issues there. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. Nothing is more important than the safety of our players.”
Singh’s comments come amidst ongoing debates about whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will allow the Indian team to participate in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The Pakistani authorities have planned the tournament’s matches, with the India-Pakistan clash tentatively scheduled for March 1 in Lahore.
The BCCI has been vocal about its stance on the matter, aligning with Singh’s concerns. According to sources, the BCCI is unlikely to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the tournament. Instead, the board is expected to request that matches involving India be held in a hybrid mode, with games potentially hosted in neutral venues such as Dubai or Sri Lanka.
A BCCI source clarified, “India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. We will tell the ICC to hold its matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka.”
This decision stems from the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which have limited bilateral cricketing interactions to ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup since the last series between the two countries in 2012-2013. The BCCI’s preference for a hybrid model reflects both security concerns and logistical considerations.
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, emphasized that the final decision will be contingent upon the central government’s authorization. He stated on May 6, “In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government.”
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a significant event as it marks the return of a major ICC tournament to Pakistan for the first time since 1996. Despite hosting parts of the Asia Cup in recent years, this will be a major opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its cricketing infrastructure and hospitality.
The situation remains fluid, and discussions are ongoing between the BCCI, the ICC, and other stakeholders. As the tournament approaches, the final arrangements will hinge on diplomatic and security assessments, ensuring that the safety of players and officials remains the top priority.
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