The ongoing standoff between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy has made headlines far beyond South Asia, now echoing in South Africa. India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, currently leading the Indian team in a T20 series against South Africa, was recently questioned about the issue by fans during a public appearance.
Suryakumar drawn into the dispute
In a video shared on Instagram, Suryakumar can be seen mingling with fans when one of them asks, “Tell me, why are you not coming to Pakistan?” Suryakumar responded light-heartedly, saying, “Arrey bhaiya, hamare hath mein thodi hai” (“Brother, it’s not in our hands”). Standing alongside him was his teammate Rinku Singh, as the Indian team prepared for the third T20I in Centurion. The series stands at 1-1, with India winning the opener in Durban and South Africa clinching the second game in Gqeberha, ending India’s winning streak of 11 matches.
PCB’s stance on the Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy venue issue arose after the ICC informed the PCB that India would not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 tournament. The PCB has since opposed a hybrid model where India would play its matches at a neutral venue. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi recently reiterated Pakistan’s unwillingness to accept such an arrangement.
Potential withdrawal of Pakistan
According to a report by Dawn, Pakistan’s federal government is considering the possibility of directing the PCB to withdraw from the tournament entirely if a satisfactory compromise cannot be reached. “One option being mulled over is to ask the PCB to ensure Pakistan does not participate in the Champions Trophy,” a source informed Dawn. The report indicates that the government is taking the situation “very seriously,” reflecting the importance of the Champions Trophy to Pakistan’s international cricket calendar.
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