Lahore: There is not much time left for the 2025 Champions Trophy and there is still uncertainty over the schedule, the venues and most importantly, India’s travel to the neighbouring country. With so many things still uncertain, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik made a request to the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan for the marquee event. Malik reckons sports and politics should be discussed differently.
“Whatever reservations there are between the countries, that’s a separate issue and should be solved separately. Politics shouldn’t come into sports. Pakistan team went to India last year. Now, it’s a good opportunity for the Indian team too,” Malik said this on a Pakistani YouTube channel to journalist Saleem Khaliq.
“I think there are many players in the Indian team who haven’t played in Pakistan, so it would be great for them. Hum bahut acche log hai (we are good people). We’re very hospitable people, so I’m sure the Indian team should definitely come,” the 42-year-old went on to add.
Virat Kohli did visit Pakistan as an U-19 cricketer in 2006. Now, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has made an emotional request to Kohli for him to come to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Kohli has a massive fanbase in Pakistan.
“Virat Kohli should come to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, it’s our wish too. I think the only thing left for him is to come to Pakistan and score runs in Pakistan,” Younis to News24.
Meanwhile, the PCB has left it up to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to convince the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in the first quarter of next year. According to a PCB source, while the budget for the Champions Trophy was approved at the recent ICC meetings in Colombo, the schedule and format didn’t come up for discussion at all.
“The PCB now has done what was required of it as hosts of the Champions Trophy. It has submitted the draft schedule and format for the event and also submitted budget for the event,” a PCB insider said. “It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” he said.
