Cricket

Pakistan's Hasan Ali has expressed his stance on the possibility of India not participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. In an interview with Samaa TV, Ali echoed the PCB's position that the tournament will take place in Pakistan regardless of India's presence.Ali emphasized the importance of separating sports from politics, noting that many Indian players have expressed their desire to play in Pakistan. However, he acknowledged that India has its own policies and considerations."If we're going there (to India) to play, then they should come to Pakistan too," Ali said. "But if India don't want to come, we'll play without them. Cricket should be played in Pakistan."Reports indicate that India may not travel to Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions. The BCCI is reportedly considering requesting the ICC to move their matches to Sri Lanka or Dubai.The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February-March 2025 in Pakistan. India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2008 due to strained relations. Their encounters have been limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017, while India claimed the title in 2013 and 2002.Ali's comments highlight the complex relationship between sports and politics, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan cricket. While many fans and players desire to see the two teams compete on Pakistani soil, political tensions may ultimately prevent it.

India's Participation in Pakistan-Hosted Champions Trophy Uncertain, Warns Former PCB ChiefFormer Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Khalid Mahmood has cast doubt on India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year. Mahmood, a retired senior bureaucrat, expressed concerns about the potential financial and operational consequences for both the PCB and the ICC if India chooses not to attend.Mahmood emphasized that India's absence could set a precedent for other cricketing nations, further complicating the event's logistics and profitability. "India is the richest cricket board and carries a lot of clout," he said. "If they don't send their team to Pakistan, I foresee even countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh following their path."He warned that such a scenario would significantly reduce the Champions Trophy's revenue potential and increase expenses, leading to a decline in profits. Mahmood advised the PCB to maintain its stance of separating sports from politics to avoid further complications."At this level, you can only lobby and try to convince other boards to be on your side," he said. "India has too much clout in the ICC. It would do no good for Pakistan to adopt a tit-for-tat strategy."Mahmood acknowledged that India's decision to play its matches outside Pakistan would diminish the purpose of Pakistan hosting the ICC event. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2023.

India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, has become a subject of intense speculation. Recent reports suggest that the Indian government may not grant clearance for the team to travel to Pakistan, raising doubts about India's presence at the tournament.This issue stems from the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. In 2023, India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, with their matches being played in Sri Lanka instead. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the Champions Trophy.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official statement on the matter. However, BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla has denied rumors that India will not travel to Pakistan, stating that the board has not yet discussed the issue.Amidst the uncertainty, a video of former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh expressing his views on the matter has resurfaced. In an interview with Pakistani TV channel ARY News, Singh asserted that India would not send its team to Pakistan if the players' safety could not be guaranteed. He also emphasized that Indian cricket could survive without Pakistan's participation.On the other hand, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has maintained that India should honor Pakistan's hosting rights and travel to the country for the Champions Trophy. He pointed out that India's kabaddi and tennis teams have recently played tournaments in Pakistan, indicating that the Indian government cannot selectively choose which sports to participate in.The ICC is expected to address the issue at its upcoming general meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine India's participation in the Champions Trophy.

The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan in 2025, faces uncertainty as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly declines to travel to the country for the tournament. Pakistan had designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches, hoping to alleviate security concerns. However, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, suggesting Dubai or Sri Lanka as alternative venues.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be compelled to accept India's demands, as the Indian team could withdraw from the tournament if all matches are held in Pakistan. The Indian government's approval for travel to Pakistan is highly unlikely. If India withdraws, Sri Lanka, ranked ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings, will replace them.Last year, Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 was thwarted by the Indian government's refusal to allow the team to travel. The matches were subsequently shifted to Sri Lanka. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two teams only face each other at ICC or ACC events.In their most recent encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, India emerged victorious by six runs in the group stage, eventually claiming their second title. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Pakistan's first time hosting a major international cricket tournament independently. Previously, Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, and the Reliance Cup with India in 1987.

Amidst the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain. Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram has expressed his hopes that India will participate in the tournament, emphasizing its significance for Pakistan's cricketing future.The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Alongside the hosts, India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Afghanistan are expected to compete. However, India's participation is contingent upon the political climate between the two nations.Akram believes that hosting the tournament would be a major boost for cricket in Pakistan. "We have great facilities and are working on new stadiums," he said. "The chairman has started work on the new stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. I believe it will be a great tournament and Pakistan needs that tournament for the betterment of cricket."India has not toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2006. The two teams have only faced each other in ICC tournaments since 2013 due to political tensions. According to reports, India is still hesitant to travel to Pakistan, which could result in the tournament being played in a hybrid format.Akram expressed his disappointment over India's reluctance to tour Pakistan. "The whole country is looking forward to receiving all the teams," he said. "The cricket will be great and we will welcome them in splendid fashion."The 2023 Asia Cup, which was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan, was partially relocated to Sri Lanka after the BCCI refused to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. India and Pakistan have not had bilateral tours in cricket since 2012.The BCCI has maintained that the Indian team will only travel to Pakistan if permitted by the central government. The decision ultimately rests with the Indian government, which will consider the political and security implications of the tour.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed Lahore as India's home base during the ICC Champions Trophy next year, prioritizing security measures for the neighboring team. This recommendation was included in the draft itinerary submitted to the ICC in April.The PCB's decision stems from India's reluctance to play in Pakistan due to security concerns, as evidenced by their withdrawal from the Asia Cup last year. The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19-March 9, 2023, will mark Pakistan's first major ICC event since 1996.Karachi and Rawalpindi have also been retained as additional venues for the tournament, subject to approval by the ICC executive board. The PCB has emphasized the importance of providing the Indian team with the best possible security arrangements, minimizing their travel time.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at significant changes for the Pakistan team following their defeat by India in the T20 World Cup. He has also announced plans to renovate the stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi before the Champions Trophy.To further prepare for the tournament, the PCB intends to host the Pakistan Super League in April 2023 and a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand. These events will provide valuable experience and match practice for the Pakistan team.The BCCI has yet to officially confirm whether it will send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the PCB's proactive approach in addressing security concerns and providing a suitable home base for India demonstrates its commitment to hosting a successful and memorable event.

The Indian cricket team's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, remains uncertain pending approval from the Indian government. The decision hinges on the prevailing diplomatic and security situation between the two nations.Since 2008, tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted cricketing relations. Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012-13, with ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup serving as the primary platforms for their encounters.Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has clarified that the Indian team's participation in the Champions Trophy is contingent upon government approval. "We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission," he said.Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup last year saw a hybrid strategy, with India's matches played in Sri Lanka due to logistical and security challenges. However, Pakistan did not consider a similar approach for the ODI World Cup hosted by India in 2023, instead participating in the tournament across various venues.Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy champions, has designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches in the upcoming tournament. This decision aims to minimize logistical and security concerns related to their travel.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with discussions among participating members expected to focus on India's participation.The decision on India's participation will be subject to careful consideration and consultation with relevant authorities, given the history of strained relations and security concerns between the two countries.

India's Participation in Pakistan-Hosted Champions Trophy UncertainTeam India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year, is in jeopardy, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The sources indicate that a change of venue or a hybrid model is likely, with bilateral series between India and Pakistan remaining highly unlikely.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, recently suggested that a bilateral series with India could be considered if India sends its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, BCCI sources have dismissed this possibility, stating that Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the tournament.The sources cited the current strained relations between India and Pakistan as a major factor in the decision. They emphasized that the Indian government's permission would be required for the team to travel to Pakistan, and such permission is unlikely given the current political climate."Forget bilateral series...Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy," a source told IANS. "There might be a change of venue, a hybrid model is also possible."The Champions Trophy is an ICC event, which makes India's decision a difficult one. However, the sources stressed that the government's approval is paramount."Bilateral series, I don't see in the near future, that's next to impossible," the source added.India and Pakistan last played a bilateral limited-overs series in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India. In 2023, India declined to send its team to the Asia Cup in Pakistan, leading to the adoption of a hybrid model for the tournament.Currently, India and Pakistan only face each other during ICC and continental events.