Former Pakistan captain and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik urged India to separate politics from sports and also to visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Malik, during an interview with a local YouTube channel, emphasized the need for politics-free cricket and stated that India should come to Pakistan, highlighting that the national team also toured India for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
“Whatever reservations there are between the countries, that’s a separate issue and should be solved separately. Politics shouldn’t come into sports. The Pakistan team went to India last year, and now it’s a good opportunity for the Indian team too,” Malik said.
“I think there are many players in the Indian team who haven’t played in Pakistan, so it would be great for them. We are good people. We’re very hospitable people, so I’m sure the Indian team should come,” Shoaib Malik added.
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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.
Reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.
Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.
Remember, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.
It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
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