'Why should India go to Pakistan': Harbhajan Singh supports BCCI on Champions Trophy

With the clock ticking down on the 2025 Champions Trophy, the uncertainty over its schedule and the Indian team’s willingness to travel Pakistan, the hosts, persists.

Defending champions Pakistan are due to host the tournament in early 2025. But India have not categorically talked about their desire to travel to the neighbouring with whom they have politically estranged relations.

It has taken its toll on cricket. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 and have restricted their meetings only to ICC and continental events.

When asked about the stauts of travel for the Champions Trophy, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said the board would only send players if the Indian government approves their participation.

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“In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India permits us. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government,” said the BCCI vice president.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) stance on travel to Pakistan. ‘Bhajji’ said the safety of players is paramount and there is no obligation to travel given the circumstances.

“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don’t think it’s safe (for the team) to go there. The stance of the BCCI is absolutely correct and nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I support BCCI’s stand,” Harbhajan told IANS on Thursday.

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In response to BCCI’s reported reluctance to travel, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have offered that all India matches be played in Lahore and they stay in one hotel throughout the tournament to ensure round-the-clock security.

Additionally, PCB has lobbed the ball in ICC’s court to approve the schedule for the tournament and get clarity from the BCCI on their chances of travelling to Pakistan.