Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson feels that it’s unfortunate that the Indian cricket team won’t travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Due to the long-standing issues between the two nations, the Indian government has advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to not travel there for the last decade and a half.
It was basically confirmed that Team India won’t travel to Pakistan, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has ensured the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reach an agreement. Therefore, until 2028, both teams will play at neutral venue in the upcoming ICC events.
Fans the victim of no IND vs PAK match in Pakistan
The agreement may be fine as cricket continues, but fans miss out on the electric clashes in both nations. Watson empathises with this. With the ICC Champions Trophy ‘trophy tour’ reaching Sydney, he told reporters, “It’s unfortunate that things worked out that way. But there’s no doubt that what everyone loves is watching the India-Pakistan game. Whenever they come together, whether in ICC events, it’s a really special time because we get a sense of what’s on the line.“
“From an Australian cricket perspective, we know how big the rivalry is between us and England. The India-Pakistan rivalry is just as huge. No cricket fan wants to miss that game. So, it’s unfortunate that India aren’t travelling to Pakistan for this Champions Trophy,” Watson added.
ICC Champions Trophy will be a “special tournament” for Pakistan
Although Pakistani fans will miss out on watching stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, it’ll still be a huge moment for them, as the Champions Trophy 2025 will be the first ICC tournament Pakistan will host since 1996. Watson is sure the whole country will light up due to the 8-team event.
“It’s going to be huge for the Pakistan cricket fans to be able to have the opportunity to watch world-class cricket in the country. Now the ICC event is in Pakistan; the country is going to light up. It’s so beautiful for Pakistan cricket to be exposed to live, best cricketers in the world playing in front of their own eyes. It’s really going to be a special tournament for sure,” the 2-time ICC Champions Trophy winner said.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Schedule
| Date | Team A | Team B | Venue | Timing (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19/02/2025 | Pakistan | New Zealand | Karachi | 14:30 |
| 20/02/2025 | Bangladesh | India | Dubai | 14:30 |
| 21/02/2025 | Afghanistan | South Africa | Karachi | 14:30 |
| 22/02/2025 | Australia | England | Lahore | 14:30 |
| 23/02/2025 | Pakistan | India | Dubai | 14:30 |
| 24/02/2025 | Bangladesh | New Zealand | Rawalpindi | 14:30 |
| 25/02/2025 | Australia | South Africa | Rawalpindi | 14:30 |
| 26/02/2025 | Afghanistan | England | Lahore | 14:30 |
| 27/02/2025 | Pakistan | Bangladesh | Rawalpindi | 14:30 |
| 28/02/2025 | Afghanistan | Australia | Lahore | 14:30 |
| 01/03/2025 | South Africa | England | Karachi | 14:30 |
| 02/03/2025 | New Zealand | India | Dubai | 14:30 |
| 04/03/2025 | Semi-final 1 | Dubai | 14:30 | |
| 05/03/2025 | Semi-final 2 | Lahore | 14:30 | |
| 06/03/2025 | Reserve Day | |||
| 09/03/2025 | Final | Lahore/Dubai | 14:30 | |
| 10/03/2025 | Reserve Day | 14:30 | ||
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