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Pakistan’s limited-overs captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has welcomed Indian players ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament will take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Rizwan’s invitation comes amid tensions about whether India will travel to Pakistan.
Mohammad Rizwan’s Open Invitation to Indian Players
In a recent press conference, Rizwan expressed his hope that Indian stars like KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav would come. He said, “KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are all welcome. All the players who will come, we will welcome them.” He added that the final decision lies with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Rizwan stressed the need for dialogue. “Whatever decision will take place, hopefully they will all discuss and take the right call,” he said. His comments show a desire for sportsmanship and goodwill.
PCB’s Strong Stance
Contrasting Rizwan’s welcoming tone, former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif urged Pakistan to reconsider its cricketing ties with India. Latif suggested that if India does not travel for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan should stop playing against them altogether. “If you don’t want to play (in Pakistan), then don’t play against us (at all),” he stated.
The PCB has made it clear that it will not concede to India’s request to relocate matches to neutral venues like Dubai. A PCB official stated, “We have been told by our government not to move any game out of Pakistan.” This firm stance underscores Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the tournament on home soil, despite India’s reluctance to travel.
The Champions Trophy is set to take place across three cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The PCB is currently seeking clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s position and has raised questions about the communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
With just over three months until the tournament begins, both boards must navigate these complex dynamics carefully. The outcome could significantly impact future cricketing ties between Pakistan and India.
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