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Given the long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI's decision not to send Team India to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 was not entirely unexpected. However, this move has reignited the animosity between the two cricketing giants. The ICC confirmed that the Indian government's denial of clearance for the tour has forced the BCCI to withdraw from the tournament. This decision has sparked reactions from the global cricket community, with many expressing concern over the deteriorating relationship between India and Pakistan.
Reacting to India's decision to not participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed his concern for the future of cricketing ties between the two nations. He predicted that India would likely opt to play their matches in Dubai, UAE, rather than Pakistan.
I do think that India is not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy: Michael Vaughan
Vaughan believes that this recent development has further complicated the already strained relationship between India and Pakistan. He fears that the BCCI's decision could exacerbate the tensions between the two cricketing rivals. Vaughan cautioned that India's refusal to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could have severe consequences, potentially leading to a prolonged absence of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket series outside of ICC tournaments.
“India have obviously announced that they would not be playing in Pakistan; it looks like they're going to play in Dubai. I do think that India is not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy; I think that relationship now could be an off-image; it has not been great for a long time, and I think it is going to get worse. Potentially we might not see India play Pakistan for a long, long time,” Michael Vaughan said on Club Prairie Fire Podcast.
Despite the recent tensions, Michael Vaughan remains optimistic about the future of India-Pakistan cricket. He suggests hosting a high-stakes Test series between the two nations on neutral grounds, such as Australia or the UK. This would allow fans from both countries to witness a historic encounter.
Would love to see India vs Pakistan Test match: Vaughan
Vaughan believes that such a series would not only excite fans but also benefit the sport as a whole. He concluded by expressing his hope for a future where India and Pakistan can once again engage in intense cricketing battles.
“It is one thing I would really love to see in Test match cricket. India vs. Pakistan: if you can't play it in your own backyard, play it here in Australia; we'll host it in the UK. There are so many supporters in the world that idolize India and Pakistan; that series would be a huge success, wherever you play. It's sad that India would not be going to Pakistan; it is going to affect the game,” he concluded.
