Pakistan is to host Champions Trophy in Feb-March in 2025.
Pakistan is set to host its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup, when they will have the Champions Trophy 2025 played in the country from February 19- March 9. Pakistan has chosen three venues for the tournament- Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepping hard for the Champions Trophy with all three venues being renovated, one question remains, whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan for the event.
India hasn't visited Pakistan since 2008 due to increased diplomatic tensions between the two neighbors. For more than a decade, there have been no bilateral cricket relations between the two countries, and they only face each other in continental or ICC competitions.
Danish Kaneria hoped that Team India wouldn’t come to Pakistan owing to security issues. He also felt that ICC should look at Dubai as a venue to host the Champions Trophy on a hybrid basis.
“Looking at the situation in Pakistan I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it. The ICC will make their decision and most likely Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid model in Dubai. This (back and forth) will go on for some time, it will be hyped up in the media. It’s a reality and it will be a hybrid model. And BCCI will do whatever they have been advised to,” Kaneria told Sports Tak.
Kaneria, who played 61 Tests and 18 ODIs between 2000 and 2010, believes that player safety is vital and that other countries competing in the Champions Trophy will most likely follow the BCCI's decision to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
“The safety of the players is the priority. Respect is the second priority. I think BCCI is doing a great job. Whatever their decision is, other countries will also have to accept that. I think it will be a hybrid model” said Kaneria.
Kaneria further stated that Pakistan needs major upgradation of infrastructure and felt like they are only vying to host the Champions Trophy due to the revenue and TV rights they will get.
He also pointed out that PCB only wants India to come to Pakistan because the Indian team brings more sponsors, media coverage, and money.
“They’re (PCB) equipped but they must upgrade the infrastructure first. Security is the biggest concern, a big question mark. The reason why Pakistan is adamant about hosting the competition is because of the TV rights, sponsors, revenue, and fans filling up the stadiums.
They are so eager because with India there will be more sponsorships, more media coverage, and more. That’s all right but the grey area is the security concern. Pakistan can claim that they also traveled to India (for the 2023 ODI World Cup) but the situation there is far better,” he added.
(Sports Tak inputs)