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Pakistan’s new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan extended an invitation for Team India to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which is just four months away. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the team’s departure to Australia for the white-ball series, Rizwan affirmed of the Indian team receiving a warm reception on their arrival.
It is to be noted that the Champions Trophy is set to be held in February-March 2025 in Pakistan. While they enter the tournament as the defending champions with the trophy marking its return for the first time since last being played in 2017 in England.
India will get warm welcome in Pakistan: Md Rizwan
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, Mohammad Rizwan, who will lead the side in the upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, opened up on Team India travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Speaking at the press conference, he said, “Pakistan fans love Indians players; we received love in India as well (during the 2023 World Cup). We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here.”
“I’m unsure if they’re coming for Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain - if they come, they’ll receive an awesome welcome here,” he added. Notably, India last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. The two nations haven’t locked horns in a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to the political tensions and security concerns. On the other hand, Pakistan last toured India in 2023 for the ODI World Cup in India.
As far as the Champions Trophy is concerned, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already put forward the tentative schedule for the tournament, which is set to start from February 19 with the final scheduled to take place on March 9 in Lahore.
