"If you want to play, play; if not, don't" - Harbhajan Singh sends stern message over India playing 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan
Former player Harbhajan Singh has hit back at Pakistan over India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, likely to be held in Pakistan in February. The 103-Test veteran said India won't send their players to Pakistan if they don't feel safe and that Pakistan can go ahead and host it without their neighbours.
India last toured Pakistan in 2008 and the last bilateral series between the arch-rivals was held in 2012-13. With political relations strained between the two nations, the BCCI are unlikely to send the men's team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue could play their matches in Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Speaking in a video surfaced on social media, Harbhajan said:
"If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we won't send the team. If you want to play, play; if not, don't. Indian cricket can still survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, then do it."
Pakistan were also the hosts of the Asia Cup last year, but the BCCI didn't send the team and Sri Lanka became part of the hybrid model. The cricketing activities in Pakistan were suspended until 2019 after an attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009. The country hasn't hosted an ICC event since 1996.
Pakistan beat India to win the Champions Trophy in 2017
The Men in Green beat India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final in England. The final, staged by The Oval in London, saw Sarfaraz Ahmed's men amass 338 in their stipulated 50 overs, with Fakhar Zaman's 114 spearheading their innings.
In reply, an in-form opposition batting line-up struggled against Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, and Hasan Ali as the pace trio cut through their top order. Although Hardik Pandya's exploits gave the Men in Blue a glimmer of hope, they were eventually bowled out for 158 to lose by 180 runs.
It was also Pakistan's first Champions Trophy title.