 "India have not travelled to Pakistan for cricket since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Image: AP")
While it’s felt that India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not having any such concerns as they are confident the Men in Blue will visit their neighbours for the prestigious tournament.
‘Team India should come’
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi Monday said he was confident Rohit Sharma-led India will be in Pakistan next year for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“The Indian team should come. I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on 19 February with the final taking place on 9 March. The matches are scheduled to be held across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
India have not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Who will replace white-ball captain Babar Azam?
Naqvi also expressed confidence in the ongoing renovation works at the stadiums and said that the grounds will be almost “brand new” when the Champions Trophy starts.
“The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament. In a way, you can say that we are going to have a brand new stadium,” the PCB Chief added.
On who will replace outgoing Babar Azam as Paksitan’s new white-ball captain, Naqvi said: “I have told them (selectors) to take a decision after careful consideration because the captain’s position is important.”