Shoaib Malik Urges India to Prioritize Sports Over Politics for Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has implored the Indian cricket team to prioritize sports over politics and participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.

India's participation in the tournament has been uncertain due to political tensions between the two nations. India has not toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2012/13, and its last visit to the country for any cricket match was in 2006.

Malik emphasized that political disputes should not interfere with sporting events. "Any issues or disputes between the two countries are a separate matter and should be resolved separately in whatever way is necessary. Politics should not come into sports," he said.

He highlighted that the Pakistan team visited India for the ICC ODI World Cup last year and expressed his belief that the Indian team should reciprocate. "I think many players in the Indian team have never played in Pakistan, so this would be a good opportunity for them. We are very hospitable people, and I am sure the Indian team should definitely come," Malik stated.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly left the matter of India's participation in the hands of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB has submitted a draft schedule and format for the tournament, including a proposal to host all of India's games in Lahore.

The ICC is yet to finalize the schedule and format of the Champions Trophy. However, the PCB has fulfilled its responsibilities as the host nation by submitting the necessary documents.

Malik's plea for India's participation in the Champions Trophy underscores the importance of separating politics from sports. He believes that the tournament should be an opportunity for both countries to showcase their cricketing prowess and foster goodwill.

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