The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan has become a point of contention with India’s potential absence. While Sri Lanka and UAE are touted as backup venues, Pakistan’s star pacer Hasan Ali has made a bold statement: Pakistan will host the tournament regardless of India’s participation.
Champions Trophy in Pakistan!
Pakistan is gearing up to host the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, with Karachi and Lahore as the frontrunners for hosting matches. However, the major hurdle lies in India’s potential refusal to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions.
India absence won’t stop CT 25: Hasan Ali
Reacting to the news, Pakistan’s fast bowler Hasan Ali has declared that the Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan even if India doesn’t participate. He emphasized the separation of sports and politics, citing desires of many Indian players to compete in Pakistan.
Hasan Ali said on Samaa TV: “If we’re going there (to India) to play, then they should come to Pakistan too. A lot of people have said countless times that sports should stay away from politics. But if you look at it from another angle, many Indian players have said in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. So, it doesn’t mean that the team doesn’t want to come; they definitely do. But obviously, they have their own policies, country, and board to consider.”
Pakistan ready to move forward without India
Echoing the sentiment of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Hasan Ali asserted that the tournament will stay in Pakistan. He highlighted the presence of other strong teams and the importance of cricket continuing in Pakistan.
“As our (PCB) chairman has already said, if the Champions Trophy is going to be held in Pakistan, then it will be in Pakistan. If India doesn’t want to come, we’ll play without them. Cricket should be played in Pakistan, and if India doesn’t want to participate, it doesn’t mean cricket has ended. There are many other teams besides India,” he added.
India absence from Pakistan
India’s last visit to Pakistan for a cricket tournament was in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Bilateral series between the two nations have been scarce, with only one occurrence in the past 16 years. While Pakistan has travelled to India for ICC events, the situation remains unresolved for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Will BCCI change its stance?
With the tournament approaching, all eyes are on the BCCI’s decision. Will they prioritize political concerns or allow their players to compete in Pakistan? Hasan Ali’s statement reflects the hope of many fans – that cricket transcends political boundaries. Only time will tell if India joins the cricketing extravaganza in Pakistan.
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