Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has lashed out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not confirming their participating in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Pakistan soil. The BCCI has maintained its stance that it is the government’s decision whether the Indian team will tour Pakistan team or not. Months ahead of the major ICC tournament, Afridi claimed that he got threats but they still toured India and supported Indian cricket. He feels that BCCI will once again cite security reasons for not touring Pakistan.
"Hum itni baar india gaye hai. Mushkil halat mein gaye. Humein dhamkiya bhi milti rahi fir bhi hum india ke tour karte rahe. Aapki niyat se pata chal gya. Humne india ko support kiya hai. Humko threat milte rahe but Pakistan Cricket Board and government ne initiative liya hai. Agar indian cricket board ki niyat hai Pakistan ke sath chalne ki toh aajayega. Agar nahi hai, toh nahi aayenge fir security ko bahane bana dege (We have gone to India so many times in difficult situations. We got threats still went to India. We will get to know their intention. We have always supported India. We got threats but Pakistan Cricket Board and government always took the initiative. If they want to come, they will come. If they do not want to come, they will use security as an excuse)," Afridi told local media at an event for his foundation.
The Champions Trophy 2025 has major significance for Pakistan as they are hosting a major ICC tournament after a long gap of 29 years. In 1996, they co-hosted the ODI World Cup.
Indian cricket team hasn’t stepped on Pakistan soil since 2008
The Indian men's cricket team has not toured Pakistan since 2008. They played Asia Cup 16 years ago. While Pakistan have toured India for various ICC tournaments, the bilateral series between the two have been suspended for a long time.
Last year, Pakistan were hosts for 2023 Asia Cup. However, it was changed to a hybrid model format. India played all their matches on Sri Lankan soil. Only a handful of games were played in Pakistan.
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