as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looms, excitement grows, but important diplomatic issues remain unresolved. PakistanIt is set to welcome the global cricket community for one of the most anticipated tournaments in recent memory, scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9. However, ongoing political tensions and security concerns have led to conflict between the two teams. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)to put India‘s presence in Pakistan is at risk.
Mohammad Rizvan makes a warm gesture in tension
Against this backdrop, the Pakistani captain Mohammad Rizvan During a press conference in Brisbane, he extended his warm greetings to the Indian team and expressed hopes for a successful CT 2025 involving both nations.
Rizwan warmed to the players, including the Indian players KL Rahul and Suryakumar YadavHe expressed his hope for the historic tournament to be held in Pakistan. Rizwan’s remarks were made during a media conference against Pakistan’s T20I series Australia In Brisbane, he reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to host India if ongoing diplomatic and security concerns were resolved.
“KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav and all players from India are welcome here. Although the decision lies with the PCB, we hope that all parties will discuss and come to a solution. We would like to welcome the Indian team to Pakistan.” Rizvan said.
All we have to say is Welcome
It’s not our decision but if they come to Pakistan we will welcome them,” Mohammad Rizwan said on Champions Trophy for KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav. in a good way.
See Indians Takkai k… pic.twitter.com/gyE6fd3Zvf— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) November 13, 2024
Also WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav clarifies India’s stance on Pakistan tour amid Champions Trophy 2025 concerns
India-Pakistan cricket relations are in the limelight
Two cricket powerhouses, India and Pakistan, have not played a bilateral series since 2012, leaving ICC events as the only platform for these fierce rivals to compete. This absence has heightened the stakes in international tournaments, especially the Champions Trophy, where both teams’ participation is crucial to their success. While the PCB is interested in holding the event entirely in Pakistan, the BCCI has expressed caution over sending an Indian team citing security and diplomatic complications.
Champions Trophy: Hybrid model and neutral venues discussed
To address these concerns, the PCB proposed a hybrid model where Indian matches could be played outside of Pakistan, ensuring participation without compromising security. However, this arrangement has yet to gain full traction, with Pakistan sticking to a full-scale domestic tournament. Alternatively, the ICC is reportedly exploring neutral venues, including South Africa and United Arab Emirates (UAE)keeping India’s games away from Pakistan while maintaining the tournament’s competitive integrity.
