“Somehow not *secure* for India” – Mohammad Hafeez’s indirect dig amid reports that India won’t travel to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has expressed his concerns amid reports that India won’t travel to neighboring country for the 2025 Champions Trophy. While taking an indirect dig at India, Hafeez added that all countries are traveling to Pakistan but the neighboring nation considers it unsafe. The cricketer-turned-commentator is hopeful that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government will take bold decisions regarding the move.
Notably, there are talks that the tournament will be held in a hybrid model that was used during the 2023 Asia Cup. India had refused to travel to Pakistan and played their matches in Sri Lanka, which also hosted the final. This time, the UAE is considered the secondary venue for the eight-team tournament.
Last year, Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Hafeez wrote on X:
“It was a day dream that India wil[l] come to Pakistan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB.”
The Men in Blue’s last visit to Pakistan came at the 2008 Asia Cup. The two teams have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 but compete against each other in ICC events.
“The board knows better” – Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan on India’s stance on 2025 Champions Trophy
Pakistan’s newly appointed limited-overs format captain Mohammad Rizwan said it’s up to PCB to decide whether India will participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 32-year-old said (via Cricket Pakistan):
“Whether the Indian team participates in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan is something the board knows better.”
“When we went to India, we received a lot of love, and everyone witnessed that. The public will warmly welcome the Indian team in Pakistan as well,” he added.
Rizwan recently led Pakistan to their first-ever ODI series win in Australia since 2002. The Men in Green won the three-match series 2-1.