Amid the growing uncertainty surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and India’s refusal to participate in Pakistan, an Indian politician has spoken out in favor of the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan for the tournament.
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), stated that sports should not be politicized and that the Indian cricket team should travel to Pakistan for the prestigious event. In a pointed remark aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yadav referenced Modi’s visit to Pakistan in 2015, during which he crossed the border to have biryani.
“If the Prime Minister can go there to have biryani, why can’t the Indian cricket team travel for a tournament?” Yadav asked, challenging the current stance of India’s authorities.
As the International Cricket Council (ICC) plans a virtual meeting to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy 2025, the issue remains clouded by India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan. Sources close to the discussions have suggested several options, including the possibility of hosting the tournament in Pakistan without India’s participation, though this is seen as unlikely due to India’s significant commercial value.
One proposal under consideration is a hybrid model, where most matches would be played in Pakistan, but India’s matches would take place at a neutral venue, likely the UAE. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly rejected this hybrid model, ICC officials have not ruled it out entirely. If this option is pursued, the PCB is expected to insist that no Pakistan matches, including the crucial group match against India, be played outside of Pakistan.
The PCB has responded to India’s firm position with equal determination. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan would not compromise on its long-standing stance regarding financial compensation for hosting rights. He assured stakeholders that he would continue to advocate for what is in the best interests of Pakistan cricket.
