“Should not go there until…,” Harbhajan Singh on India’s Champions Trophy 2025 participation in Pakistan

Rumours are rife that India won't be travelling to Pakistan for the ICC tournament.

Indian cricket team hasn't toured Pakistan since 2008 | GettyTeam India’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan early next year, continues to be a major topic of discussion.

While the cricket boards of both nations have remained tight-lipped on this matter, rumours are rife that the Men in Blue won't be travelling to Pakistan for the marquee event.

It is also learnt that the BCCI has requested the ICC to either change the venue for the competition or schedule India's matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka.

Amid the speculations, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has said that India could travel to Pakistan, if provided complete security.

"What they say is what they think is right while what we say is our point of view. I feel the security concerns are always there and if the security of the players is not ensured there then I don't think that the team should go there. If they say that the teams will get full security and there is no hassle then it's on the government to think and make decisions because in the end, it's not just about cricketing matters and the issue goes beyond. As a cricketer, I can say if you wish to play cricket, play cricket but the security concern is always there and players should not go there until the security is guaranteed," Harbhajan said while speaking to Sports Tak.

The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been fraught with political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai attack.

While the arch-rivals last played a limited-overs series in 2012, their last meeting in Tests was way back in 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year, but India, who went on to win the continental tournament, played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under a 'hybrid model'.

According to reports, the ICC has sanctioned a budget of around $65 million for the Champions Trophy 2025. The approved budget covers expenses related to hosting several matches in locations other than Pakistan.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 01 Sep, 2024

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