Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali shared his thoughts on India's uncertainty about their participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted by Pakistan in February-March next year.
The uncertainty over India's willingness to play in next year's Champions Trophy looms as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly not keen on sending the team to Pakistan until they receive permission from the Indian government.
The BCCI has reportedly asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a Hybrid Model, with India’s matches being hosted either in Sri Lanka or Dubai. Last year's Asia Cup was hosted by Pakistan but India didn't travel to neighbouring country and played all their matches in Sri Lanka.
Speaking on Samaa TV, Hasan Ali said that the Champions Trophy should be played in Pakistan irrespective whether India will participate in the tournament or not. He added that the cricket won't end if India don't participate in the Champions Trophy next year.
"As our (PCB) chairman has already said, if the Champions Trophy is going to be held in Pakistan, then it will be in Pakistan. If India doesn't want to come, we'll play without them." Hasan Ali said.
"Cricket should be played in Pakistan, and if India doesn't want to participate, it doesn't mean cricket has ended. There are many other teams besides India." he added.
As per ESPN Cricinfo, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earmarked Lahore as the venue for India to play all their group stage matches, ensuring minimal travel for the visitors.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah and PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi are likely to meet at the ongoing International Cricket Council (ICC) in Colombo and it remains to be seen whether an agreement will be reached for either playing in Pakistan or adopting a hybrid model.
India didn't travel to Pakistan after 2008 Mumbai Blasts
Team India didn't travel to Pakistan after 2008 Mumbai Blasts, which led to political tensions between two countries. Pakistan toured India for 2011 and 2023 ODI World Cups and 2016 T20 World Cup.
When Pakistan touched India for the ODI World Cup last year, it was their first visit to the country after 11 years. The last time Pakistan travelled to India was in 2011 for the bilateral series, which was the last between two neighbouring cricketing nations.
Due to political tensions between two countries, India and Pakistan meet only in the mutli-nation tournaments, including Asia Cup, ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup.
The latest face off between two arch-rivals was in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, where India pulled off a narrow seven-run win over Pakistan at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.
