PremiumIs India not traveling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025? Virat Kohli's fans left disheartened
Many fans expressed their willingness to fill the stadium wearing Indian jerseys to support Virat Kohli while hoping that the Indian team would travel to Pakistan.
Last Updated: 05.02 PM, Mar 19, 2024
The International Cricket Council (ICC) gave the hosting rights for the upcoming 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy to Pakistan which will see the top eight teams from the ICC World Cup 2023, including the host nation's team, participate. However, the tournament encountered a setback when the Indian cricket team expressed reluctance to tour Pakistan.
Amid growing speculation about the tournament potentially relocating, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made sure to state that Pakistan would indeed host the Champions Trophy in 2025. However, news of India's decision not to travel to their neighbouring country has left Pakistani cricket fans disheartened, particularly those who were eagerly waiting to see Virat Kohli perform live.
A Pakistani YouTuber known as 'PopKorns' was seen talking to fans regarding India's absence from the upcoming tournament. While some expressed the desire to witness the Indian team and Rohit Sharma's renowned pull shot, the majority voiced disappointment over missing out on Kohli's brilliance.
Many even expressed willingness to fill the stadium wearing Indian jerseys to support Kohli, while hoping that the Men in Blue eventually grace their nation.
Champions Trophy 2025:
PCB Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to officially confirm that Pakistan will indeed host the Champions Trophy in 2025. "I attended the ICC meeting in Dubai, and God willing, the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan in February 2025".
It's noteworthy to mention that in recent times, many international teams have toured Pakistan without encountering any significant security issues. However, India's reluctance to participate in events hosted in Pakistan remains an exception.
Will India travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated its reluctance to travel across the border, citing the intricate relationship between the two countries. The Indian board has emphasized the necessity of obtaining government approval for any potential matches to be held in Pakistan.
The last time India travelled to Pakistan was in 2008 during the Asia Cup. Although they were slated to play in Pakistan for the 2023 edition, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) opted for a hybrid model. Consequently, India played all their matches in Sri Lanka instead of venturing to Pakistan.