"India's kabaddi and tennis teams have visited the same Pakistan" - Salman Butt's blunt take on Champions Trophy 2025
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt believes that Team India must travel to Pakistan for the upcoming 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. He pointed out how India's teams from other sports have travelled to the neighbouring country in the past.
Butt opined that India either send all their teams to Pakistan or completely avoid all the tournaments which are held in the nation. Speaking on his official YouTube channel, here's what he said on the BCCI's reported reluctance to have the Men in Blue's Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan:
"Pakistan have got the rights to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and it should be held in Pakistan. Like all the other teams, India should also come to Pakistan. Pakistan went to India for the World Cup, so India should also do the same. A lot of things have been said about the relations between the two countries, but India's kabaddi and tennis teams have visited the same Pakistan. Either you cut off completely, or you try to be normal everywhere. You can't pick and choose, which they have been doing."
It is worth mentioning that Pakistan were the designated hosts of the 2023 Asia Cup. However, following India's refusal to travel, the tournament was conducted in a hybrid model, with the Rohit Sharma-led side playing their matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka.
"There are many fans of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Pakistan" - Salman Butt
Salman Butt also spoke about how Team India stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma enjoy a big fan following in Pakistan. He stated that Pakistani fans want to see the two icons play in front of them.
Highlighting the popularity of Indian cricketers in Pakistan, Salman Butt commented:
"Pakistani fans want to see the Indian players play here. There are many fans of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Pakistan and even bring their posters during PSL matches, despite knowing that they aren't part of the league. People want to see these stars play in front of them. I am sure that even in India there are people who are fans of some Pakistani players."
While India have not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, Pakistan have toured India for ICC tournaments in 2011, 2016 and 2023.