 "If India refuses to travel to Pakistan, Champions Trophy will be held in hybrid model. AP")
Former batter Basit Ali had said that the Indian cricket team’s trip to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February next year now hinges on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s next steps. PM Modi has been invited by Pakistan to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Governments meeting in October.
Ali said that PM Modi attending the SCO meet will signal the Indian team’s willingness to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“Now, the entire decision lies on the shoulders of PM Narendra Modi. If he agrees then India may travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Otherwise, the ball will be in ICC’s court and then Jay Shah will have a tough time in taking a call,” Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria meanwhile feels that India should not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to the recent attacks in Balochistan. Recently more than 70 were killed in multiple armed attacks that took place in Pakistan’s Balochistan.
“Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it, and then the ICC will make its decision, and most likely, it will be a hybrid model, it will played in Dubai. The media gets hype, everyone’s videos get likes because the big manjan is good so it will sell. So I think this is a reality and it will definitely be a hybrid model,” he said on Sports Tak.
“The safety of the players is the first priority. The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. There are many things. I think BCCI is doing a great job. I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model."