Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas wants India to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy which is scheduled to take place next year. Rohit Sharma-led India are dicey to travel to the neighbouring nation for the marquee event citing players' safety.
In the exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Zaheer Abbas said that if India doesn't want to come to Pakistan for the marquee event then this is not good for cricket.
"I'm so sorry. But if, if, if they don't want to come, I mean it's no good for cricket. Because if India and Pakistan is playing nothing like it then the world is watching all over the world because cricket is really a big thing over these two countries. Okay. Very very big and the whole world is watching all over the world wherever the Indians and Pakistanis are and they must be watching this series" Zaheer Abbas told Sports Tak.
Team India have not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup where MS Dhoni-led side were featured in the final where they lost the title decider against Sri Lanka by 100 runs.
Pakistan last travelled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 where they failed to perform and before that the Men in Green travelled to India in 2012 for a bilateral ODI series.
Both India and Pakistan last faced each other in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA where Rohit Sharma-led side defeated Babar Azam & Co. by six runs.
India's chances for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025
As Sports Tak earlier reported, the ICC is considering three potential models for the tournament. While Pakistan holds the official hosting rights, the governing body has prepared budgets for the following scenarios:
Full Tournament in Pakistan: This option would see the Champions Trophy take place entirely within Pakistan, maintaining the original plan.
Hybrid Model: Pakistan and a Secondary Venue: In this scenario, India’s matches, along with the semi-finals and finals, would be hosted at a secondary location, likely Dubai, to accommodate security concerns regarding the Indian team traveling to Pakistan.
Complete Relocation Outside of Pakistan: Should the tournament be moved entirely, Dubai, Sri Lanka, and South Africa have emerged as front-runners to host the event.
