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The ongoing dispute over India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan has escalated. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has recently voiced his strong opinion on the matter through social media.
Shahid Afridi wants Champions Trophy to be played in 'Olympic spirit'
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not be touring Pakistan due to security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has acknowledged the BCCI's decision but has rejected the idea of a hybrid model, insisting on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. This stance has cast doubt on the tournament's future format and potential venues.
Amidst the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over the 2025 Champions Trophy, Shahid Afridi has urged cricket administrators to prioritize the spirit of the game. He called for a focus on the Olympic spirit and for egos to be set aside to ensure the successful conduct of the tournament.
"Cricket is at a crucial crossroads, facing perhaps one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. Now is the time to put differences aside and let the game unite us. If countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, why can’t we do the same for cricket - and for the Champions Trophy?" Afridi wrote in his post on X.
"As stewards of this game, we owe it to cricket to keep egos in check and focus on its growth and spirit. I hope to see every team in Pakistan for CT25, to experience our warmth and hospitality, and to leave with unforgettable memories that transcend the field," his post further read.
India's last cricket tour to Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Since then, the two nations have not played bilateral cricket series on each other's soil. The 2023 Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka.
Notably, as per the proposed schedule, Champions Trophy 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9. This tournament will feature eight teams Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa, divided into two groups of four. The top teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, ultimately leading to a final showdown.
Take a look at Champions Trophy 2025's proposed schedule:
| February 19 | New Zealand vs Pakistan | Karachi |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | Lahore |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore |
| February 23 | New Zealand vs India | Lahore |
| February 24 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| February 25 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore |
| February 26 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| February 27 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Lahore |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Rawalpindi |
| March 1 | Pakistan vs India | Lahore |
| March 2 | South Africa vs England | Rawalpindi |
| March 5 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Karachi |
| March 6 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi |
| March 9 | Final: TBC vs TBC | Lahore |
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