Amid continued uncertainty surrounding India’s future participation ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns about the safety of Indian players.
With tensions running high and the situation far from stable between the two countries, the former Indian spinner made his strong case, insisting that the safety of the players should come first.
while reporting from Pakistan offer India are already making preparations and they have already booked hotels for the Indian cricket team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns remains unresolved, at least for now.
Harbhajan Singh calls safety of Indian players as top priority for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
India has already forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold the 2023 Asia Cup in a hybrid model and they are reportedly eyeing a similar model for the upcoming prestigious tournament.
Well, Harbhajan emphasized the importance of player safety and reiterated that the final decision rests with the BCCI and the Indian government.
The former World Cup winner suggested that the BCCI and the Indian government should consider player safety while taking any decision regarding the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, keeping in mind the cross-border India-Pak relations.
With Jay Shah set to take over as the ICC president next month, pressure is on for the outgoing BCCI secretary for the big challenge.
While Pakistan seems confident of India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing logistical arrangements, the BCCI has already made it clear that it is subject to government approval.
Harbhajan Singh claims that ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not be held in Pakistan
Harbhajan Singh said in Sports Yaari. “This is a very big question. How many days has it been going on like this. I have said this before. You take a guarantee. The safety of our players is a priority. So there is no problem if they take warranty. Who am I to say that the players will go or not? I have an idea. They should not go.”
Turbanator further stated, “As long as there is a security issue, they should not go. And BCCI is there to take that decision. There is a Govt of India. They have to make that decision. This is a big decision.”
“And we can only share our opinion. Being a cricketer, I would like my fellow cricketers to be safe. Wherever they go. Whether it’s in Pakistan or anywhere in the world. Safety comes first; the rest comes later.”
When asked if the Champions Trophy could take place in Pakistan, Harbhajan was unsure as he said there was a 70% chance that the mega event would not take place in Pakistan. He added: “BCTI and the government have good relations. Then things can happen. But in the current scenario, I think it’s 70-30.
PAKISTAN KA FALL, 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY IN PAKISTAN? | HARBHAJAN SINGH EXCLUSIVE#pakistancricket #championstrophy2025 #BabarAzam #sports year #harbhajansingh pic.twitter.com/Hmjp6XdItO
— Yaari Sports (@YaariSports) October 3, 2024
Talking about Pakistan’s recent collapse in the format, Harbhajan said there was a time when the Pakistan team was very big and had many legends and big names.
Harbhajan added that past teams have made their name in the world of cricket but their present condition is really sad. The former Indian spinner said that the current Pakistan team does not have the level.
