The ICC Champions Trophy, absent for eight years, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9 subsequent 12 months. The final version noticed Pakistan clinch the title by defeating India in a memorable last in 2017. Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan remained suspended for the reason that 2008 Asia Cup, owing to strained political relations. Consequently, their encounters are restricted to world tournaments, with their latest conflict occurring on the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, the place India secured a big victory over Pakistan.
Speculations and potential Champions Trophy 2025 format
Speculations abound relating to the format of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, with discussions anticipated on the ICC Annual Normal Assembly in Sri Lanka. There are talks of adopting a hybrid mannequin akin to the Asia Cup 2023, designed to accommodate numerous logistical and political issues. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a tentative schedule to the ICC pending an official announcement, stirring anticipation amongst followers and stakeholders.
Additionally READ: Will India go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025? BCCI responds
Harbhajan Singh’s perspective on India’s participation
Amidst these developments, the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated that the ultimate determination on India’s participation in Pakistan will relaxation with the Indian authorities. Amidst ongoing discussions an previous video is taking rounds on social media the place former Indian off spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed sturdy feelings throughout a present on a Pakistani TV channel. He asserted that India wouldn’t ship its crew for the Champions Trophy subsequent 12 months resulting from considerations over participant security in Pakistan.
“If our gamers usually are not protected in Pakistan, we gained’t ship the crew. If you wish to play, play; if not, then don’t. Indian cricket can nonetheless survive with out Pakistan. For those who guys can survive with out Indian cricket, do it,” Harbhajan had stated in a video.
Right here’s the video:
Harbhajan Singh stated, “If our gamers usually are not protected in Pakistan, we can’t ship the crew. If you wish to play, play; if not, do not. Indian cricket can nonetheless survive with out Pakistan. For those who guys can survive with out Indian cricket, then do it.” pic.twitter.com/tJaywUqUQV
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) July 13, 2024
Additionally READ: Shahid Afridi claims Virat Kohli will expertise extra love in Pakistan than India throughout 2025 Champions Trophy