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Reactions have been flooding in ever since it was announced that India would not be travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. It was a "daydream" to have India visit Pakistan for the international ICC event, according to former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez. The 44-year-old also took a dig at India, claiming that while all six participating countries consider Pakistan safe, only India does not consider the country "secure."
The International Cricket Council (ICC) sent the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) an email on Sunday night informing them that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unable to send India to Pakistan because of security concerns.
Mohammad Hafeez on India's stand
Additionally, the PCB has now forwarded the issue to the government, seeking their counsel and direction. Pakistan is "secure and ready" to host the Champions Trophy, according to Mohammad Hafeez. Additionally, he stated that he is awaiting a robust reaction from the government and PCB.
"It was a day dream that India will come to Pakistan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB," Hafeez wrote on X formerly known as Twitter.
The Champions Trophy schedule was supposed to be revealed today, but the ongoing dispute between the PCB and BCCI has put the tournament's future in doubt. As of now, the Champions Trophy is set to take place between February 19 and March 9. The tournament is currently scheduled to take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Earlier, the BCCI confirmed to the ICC that India would not be able to travel to Pakistan for the event. Following the Government of India's advice, the decision was made.
The last time India visited Pakistan was for the Asia Cup in 2008. Rashid Latif, a former Pakistani batsman and wicketkeeper, had earlier stated that Pakistan would withdraw from the Champions Trophy if India did not visit Pakistan. According to some local reports in Pakistan, if India does not visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, PCB may decide not to send a team to India for the 2025 Asia Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistan was also supposed to host the Asia Cup last year. However, the Asia Cup was ultimately contested using a hybrid model after the BCCI made it plain that India would not be visiting the nation for the competition. Sri Lanka hosted India's matches.
