New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has yet again made it clear that Team India should refrain from travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 as it won’t be safe for the Men in Blue over there. He has said this time and again, even during the Asia Cup 2023 which was hosted in Pakistan, and recently took a strong stance in support of the BCCI’s decision not to send the team across the border.
Harbhajan highlighted the security concerns saying that even the localites aren’t safe there as some kind of mishap that keeps on taking place one day or the other in the neighbouring nation. The Indian cricket team has not played on their arch-rival’s soil since 2007, specifically after the 2008 Mumbai attacks which compelled the Indian government to prohibit Team India from travelling to the neighbouring country.
The security situation in Pakistan still remains uncertain due to which the Indian team is highly unlikely to pay them a visit for the Champions Trophy. It is being reported that the BCCI is likely to propose a hybrid model for India’s fixtures at the ODI showpiece, just like they did in the Asia Cup 2024. According to the reported model, Rohit Sharma and co. could play their matches in Sri Lanka or UAE.
Speaking to IANS, Harbhajan put strong words and questioned why should the Men in Blue visit Pakistan when safety concerns loom large on the nation. “Bharat kyon jaaye? Pakistan kyon jaaye, Bharat? (Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan?)
“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don’t think it’s safe (for the team) to go there. The stance of the BCCI is absolutely correct and nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I support BCCI’s stand,” Harbhajan told IANS.
IANS Exclusive
Delhi: On India going to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh says, “Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? The security issue there is significant. The situation in Pakistan is such that… pic.twitter.com/29qeXMuiEW
— IANS (@ians_india) July 25, 2024
What is PCB proposing for Team India?
Pakistan Cricket Board, while responding to the BCCI’s initial statements, ensured that all of Team India’s matches would be hosted in Lahore and the Indian team would stay in the same hotel throughout the tournament, providing foolproof security for the visitors and ending the scope of any incident. The board also announced that it has acquired a piece of land right beside the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore to construct a five-star hotel.
The sources have revealed that PCB itself plans to construct the hotel and wants to get done with the complete construction by early next year. The hotel aims to eliminate the need for teams to stay in hotels far apart, which would end any possibility of a road closure due to security.
Harbhajan Singh stood his ground as he yet again opined that Team India should avoid travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 stating safety concerns and backing the BCCI’s decision. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
