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“Will miss playing in India” – Fakhar Zaman after PCB & BCCI’s neutral venue agreement

“Will miss playing in India” – Fakhar Zaman after PCB & BCCI’s neutral venue agreement

India hasn't travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, but the Men in Green came as recently as 2023.

The players are never against cricket; it’s always an issue with either the board or the government. This has once again been highlighted. Fakhar Zaman has openly stated that the Pakistan cricket team would miss playing in India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 after the two boards reached an agreement that they’ll play in matches in future ICC tournaments at neutral venues.

For the uninformed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), starting with the ICC Champions Trophy, won’t tour each other until 2028 at least. It started after the BCCI chose not to travel to Pakistan for the event on the Indian government’s advice.

India showered Pakistan cricket team with love in 2023

Zaman has been to India once, in 2023, for the ODI World Cup. He and the whole Pakistan team were celebrated by the public. In Hyderabad, they were overwhelmed with love. Fans chanted ‘Babar, Babar’ at the airport (for Babar Azam), and they were mobbed by fans everywhere they went. The southpaw stated that he’ll miss playing in India and the love the public gave him and the team.

“Yes, we will definitely miss (playing in India) as we enjoyed a lot during our visit there for the ODI World Cup 2023. We were delighted with the kind of support and the hospitality we got there. The locals gave us a warm welcome when we went to Hyderabad for the first time; they all showered their love on us. Yes, we will miss it all,” Zaman told Sports Tak. 

Fakhar Zaman hopes Team India had come to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy

The opener added that had the India cricket team travelled to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, the nation would have shown the same love to their players. They would have received an even grander welcome. In 2003-24, when Team India travelled to Pakistan after 6 years, the shopkeepers refused to take money from players as a token of respect. Zaman suggests the same would have happened this time around.

If India had come to Pakistan, we would’ve given them an even grander welcome and hospitality, but they are not coming. It’s fine, but we’re excited to play against them in Dubai,” the Pakistani opener added.

Team India’s fixture at ICC Champions Trophy

  • India vs Bangladesh: February 20 in Dubai
  • India vs Pakistan: February 23 in Dubai
  • India vs New Zealand: March 2 in Dubai
  • 1st Semifinal (if India qualifies): March 5 in Dubai
  • Final (if India qualifies): March 9 in Dubai
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