Team 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 reported 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 wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to adopt a firm stance if India continue to refuse.
Notably, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under a 'hybrid model'.
Moin emphasized the significance of Indian cricket legends intervening to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to keep sports away from politics.
"Former India cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, etc., should tell their cricket board to keep politics away from cricket. Cricket should not be obstructed by political issues. The fans would love to see India and Pakistan play. It will not only benefit Pakistan, but overall cricket will be benefited," Moin Khan said while speaking to Cricket Pakistan.
"India ought to honour their commitments with the ICC. And if they do not come, then Pakistan should reconsider their decision to participate in any future events slated to be held in India," he added.
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.
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.
