Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan extended a heartfelt invitation to India men’s cricket team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The upcoming ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February-March window in 2025, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain.
Previously, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament citing security concerns.
However, on Sunday, sources confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian government is not ready to allow their cricket team to travel to Pakistan.
Mohammad Rizwan, during the media talk at The Gabba in Brisbane ahead of the first T20I against Australia, was asked about the ongoing controversy regarding India’s visit to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
The 32-year-older extended an invitation to Indian players while also expressing hope that a decision would be taken on the matter soon.
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“KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav [and other players] are all welcome. All the players who will come, we will welcome them,” said Rizwan.
“[But] this is not our decision; this is PCB’s decision. Hopefully, they will all discuss and take the right call. But we are hopeful that if the Indian players will come, we will welcome them,” he added.
India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Last month, in an interview, Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the hospitality Pakistan players received, during the World Cup 2023, and asserted that the Indian players would be treated similarly.
“Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India as well (during the 2023 World Cup). We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here. I’m unsure if they’re coming for the Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain – if they come, they’ll receive an awesome welcome here,” stated Rizwan.
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