Former cricket player Mushtaq Ahmed discussed his opinions on the forthcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, emphasising how cricket might help mend diplomatic rifts between India and Pakistan. According to him, the competition offers a chance for good sportsmanship and intercultural understanding.
India to play ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan?
Speaking to media during the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 league, Ahmed emphasized that the Champions Trophy is a global cricket event and urged India not to “hesitate” about participating. He stressed that the game should be viewed simply as a sport, noting that people from both countries genuinely appreciate each other’s cricket teams. Ahmed’s perspective suggests that cricket could serve as a platform for positive interaction between the two nations.
The Deccan Gladiator’s head coach, while speaking to ANI, said, “The Champions Trophy is an ICC tournament and Pakistan is hosting it. So I think India should not hesitate to play. The game should be taken as just a game. People of both countries like each other’s cricket teams. If India comes to play cricket in Pakistan then it will be a great benefit for cricket.”
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Behind the scenes, International Cricket Council (ICC) officials are working through diplomatic channels to ensure a smooth tournament. Sources reveal that top ICC representatives are engaging in back-channel talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to discuss a potential hybrid tournament model. The primary goal is to find a solution that allows maximum participation, particularly from the Indian cricket team.
Currently, India has indicated it will not play matches in Pakistan, citing security concerns. Instead, their matches are likely to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to even in South Africa. The PCB has officially requested clarification from the ICC regarding India’s decision to not travel to Pakistan.
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