Indian Cricket Team has not traveled to Pakistan since 2006 due to security reasons and has not also involved themselves in bilateral series against Pakistan. Till Pakistan stops funding cross-border terrorisms, things would not change.
Reports say that India is not likely to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and wants a hybrid model with their matches being held in Sri Lanka or UAE. However, Pakistan want the full tournament to be held in their country and are not backing off. Amidst all this, former Pakistan cricketer, Danish Kaneria wants the upcoming Champions Trophy to be held in hybrid model.
He stated that the Indian Cricket Team should not travel to Pakistan, given the bad situation in the country. He feels that the tournament should be held in hybrid model and the ICC should think about it.
“Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it, and then the ICC will make its decision, and most likely, it will be a hybrid model, it will played in Dubai. The media gets hype, everyone’s videos get likes because the big manjan is good so it will sell. So I think this is a reality and it will definitely be a hybrid model,” he said.
He stressed on the safety of Indian cricketers in Pakistan and wants the ICC to prioritize that. Kaneria feels that every country will support the decision of playing the tournament in hybrid model.
“The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. There are many things. I think BCCI is doing a great job. I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model,” he added.
Indian Cricket Team did not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023
India won the T20 World Cup 2024, conducted in the USA and West Indies (Image Credits: X)
The host of the Asia Cup 2023 was also Pakistan. India did not travel to Pakistan at the end and the tournament was held in hybrid model with India’s matches happening in Sri Lanka. After many controversies, Pakistan did travel to India for the ODI World Cup 2023.
The BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah has now become the Chairman of the ICC. So, it is likely that India won’t travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 as well.
