'Keep egos in check and..': Shahid Afridi strongly reacts to BCCI's stand on Champions Trophy for not sending India to Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi in this frame
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi

Highlights:

Shahid Afridi has called for 'Olympic spirit' amidst drama around Champions Trophy 2025

Team India won't be travelling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

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.

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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.

 

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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:

Date Match Venue
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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