New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez expressed disappointment with the Indian cricket board’s decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 next year. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan government to have strong stance on this matter.
On Saturday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially communicated to the global governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) that it won’t send the men’s team for the Champions Trophy, scheduled between February and March. Pakistan was awarded to host the eight-team tournament, which last took place in 2017 in England, where the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side finished as the defending champions.
Hafeez, who was part of the victorious Champions Trophy team, said he was expecting the Indian team to come, but was taken by surprise with the decision against touring to the neighbouring country. The former all-rounder argued that Pakistan has been hosting many top-ranked cricketing nations.
“It was a day dream that India wil come to Pakistan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB,” Hafeez wrote on his X handle.
Pakistan to take the matter legal if India doesn’t travel
According to a report from ARY News, Pakistan is mulling for a two-step response if the ICC agrees to meet India’s request for the Champions Trophy to be staged in a hybrid model. The PCB could drag the matter to the Court of Abritation (CAB) with the option of declining the hybrid model on the cards.
The ICC is yet to announce the schedule of the tournament, which will take place between February 19 and March 9. The tentative schedule of the Champions Trophy had planned India’s matches to be held in Lahore.
India has not travelled to Pakistan since 2008 for the Asia Cup when MS Dhoni was the captain of the national team.
Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez expressed disappointment with the Indian cricket board’s decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 next year. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
