'We will play without them': Hasan Ali on possibility of India-less Champions Trophy in Pakistan

Pakistan are set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with the tournament beginning on February 19 in Karachi and the final scheduled for March 9 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Three venues in Pakistan have been selected to host the matches, marking the tournament’s return since it last took place in 2017. However, if India does not agree to travel to Pakistan, there is a strong possibility that the event could be relocated.

Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are currently leading as potential alternative venues for the 2025 Champions Trophy. In response to news of India’s hesitance to play in Pakistan, star fast bowler Hasan Ali said that if the ICC decides to hold the tournament in Pakistan, it will proceed there regardless of India’s participation.

“If we’re going there (to India) to play, then they should come to Pakistan too. A lot of people have said countless times that sports should stay away from politics. But if you look at it from another angle, many Indian players have said in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. So, it doesn’t mean that the team doesn’t want to come; they definitely do. But obviously, they have their own policies, country, and board to consider," Hasan said on Samaa TV.

“As our (PCB) chairman has already said, if the Champions Trophy is going to be held in Pakistan, then it will be in Pakistan. If India doesn’t want to come, we’ll play without them. Cricket should be played in Pakistan, and if India doesn’t want to participate, it doesn’t mean cricket has ended. There are many other teams besides India," he added.

India last played in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup and declined to travel there for the Asia Cup 2023.

In the past 16 years, the two rivals have met only once in a bilateral series, in 2012-2013, although Pakistan has visited India for ICC events on two occasions.