Ahmed Shehzad's full-blown attack on India's stance for Champions Trophy 2025, says ' they've crossed the line, Pakistan needs to...'

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has become a source of tension between India and Pakistan, further straining their already delicate cricketing relationship. The host country Pakistan, has expressed frustration over India's reluctance to participate in the tournament.

Ahmed Shehzad slams India for refusing to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

Recently, Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad publicly criticised India's stance. He suggested that India's refusal to tour Pakistan for the tournament is not solely due to cricket-related concerns but is deeply rooted in the political tensions between the two nations. This accusation has further fueled the growing animosity between the cricketing rivals.

Ahmed Shehzad has highlighted a recurring pattern of broken promises by the BCCI. While Pakistan has consistently admired India's on-field performances, the BCCI has repeatedly made commitments that they have failed to honor.

Shehzad has urged Pakistan to take a decisive stance. If India persists in refusing to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, he suggests that the tournament should proceed as planned, either in Pakistan or with India's matches hosted at neutral venues.

The out-of-favour Pakistani batter strongly condemned India's behavior, accusing them of insulting the spirit of cricket and undermining Pakistan's ability to host international events. He further emphasised India's repeated transgressions, which have eroded trust between the two nations.

Pakistan now needs to step forward and clarify its stance: Ahmed Shehzad

Shehzad called upon the PCB to adopt a firm and uncompromising stance against India's persistent reluctance. He suggested that if India continues to refuse to participate in Pakistan, the PCB should be prepared to proceed with the tournament without them, setting a precedent for future cricketing engagements.

In response to India's decision to boycott the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, the PCB is reportedly preparing to challenge the BCCI. According to the Dawn newspaper, the PCB plans to seek clarification from the ICC regarding the reasons behind the BCCI's stance.

While the BCCI and ICC had proposed a hybrid model that would allow India to play at a neutral venue, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly opposed to this idea, particularly considering the big investment made in the tournament.

Notably, the last time India toured Pakistan for a cricket series was in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Since then, bilateral cricket between the two nations has been restricted to neutral venues. The 2023 Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, going by the proposed schedule, tupcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9. Eight teams - Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa - will participate in the tournament. The teams will be divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will culminate in a final match.

A look at Champions Trophy 2025's proposed schedule: