Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi believes it’s time to prioritize cricket and let the sport bring everyone together. This comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian cricket team wouldn’t be traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Afridi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts.
“Cricket is at a crucial crossroads, facing perhaps one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. Now is the time to put differences aside and let the game unite us. If countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, why can’t we do the same for cricket – and for the Champions Trophy?”
Afridi continued by emphasizing the responsibility of those involved in the sport.
“As stewards of this game, we owe it to cricket to keep egos in check and focus on its growth and spirit. I hope to see every team in Pakistan for CT25, to experience our warmth and hospitality, and to leave with unforgettable memories that transcend the field.”
The PCB confirmed on Sunday that India had communicated its decision to the ICC, stating their unwillingness to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March of the following year in Pakistan.
“The PCB has received an e-mail from the ICC, stating that the BCCI has informed them that their team will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”
Prior to this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had conveyed to the ICC about India’s inability to travel to Pakistan. This left the PCB with the option of organizing the Champions Trophy using a ‘Hybrid Model‘. However, PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf had previously stated that the ‘Hybrid Model’ was not acceptable to Pakistan.
This development continues a trend of India not sending its cricket team to Pakistan. The last time the Indian team visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pakistan, on the other hand, has toured India for a limited-overs bilateral series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016, and the 50-over World Cup in 2023.
As previously reported, India’s matches, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match, will now be held in Dubai, UAE.
“This is an ICC event and BCCI has informed the global body that it won’t travel to Pakistan. It will depend on ICC to inform the host nation about the development and then close in on the scheduling of the tournament. The convention is to announce the schedule 100 days prior to the commencement of the event,” a BCCI source had told PTI on conditions of anonymity a few days back.
This situation mirrors last year’s Asia Cup, originally slated to be hosted by Pakistan. Due to India’s refusal to tour the country, the tournament was eventually held using a ‘Hybrid Model’.
