Courtesy: X
Reactions have come pouring in ever since it was announced that India would not be travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A ccording to former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, i t was a ‘day dream’ to have India visit Pakistan for the ICC event. The 44-year-old also poked India, claiming that while all six participating countries consider Pakistan safe, only India does not consider the country "secure."
Notably, due to security concerns, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unable to send the Men in Blue to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated on Sunday night after receiving an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC). "The Indian board has notified the Pakistan Cricket Board that their team will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025," PCB Spokesman Sami Ul Hasan said in an email sent to the board by the ICC. Hasan continued, "The PCB has forwarded that email to the government of Pakistan for their advice and guidance."
Pakistan is safe for all nations but somehow not *secure* for India: Mohammed Hafeez
Notably, the exact schedule for the eight-nation ICC tournament remains unclear because India's participation in the tournament isn't confirmed yet. The tournament is reportedly scheduled to take place in three locations in Pakistan: Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
Meanwhile Mohammad Hafeez expressed his worry about the matter on social media. Former Pakistan cricketer poked his Indian counterparts by writing on X, "It was a daydream that India will come to Pakistan to play #ChampionsTrophy 2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for a strong & surprised response from the government & PCB."
Asia Cup was hosted using a hybrid format in 2023 with Pakistan as one of the hosts
Pakistan hosted 2023 Asia Cup, but India's matches were held in Sri Lanka as per the hybrid model devised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Once more, the debate over using a hybrid strategy to organise the Champions Trophy is getting more heated. On this issue, the ICC has not yet made any decision.
