Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his concerns regarding India’s men’s cricket team’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, citing security issues.
In a video that went viral on social media, Singh was asked to share his opinion on whether India should visit Pakistan for the multi-national event.
In response, the former spinner said if their players are not safe in the country then they will not send them. He also challenged Pakistan to proceed with the tournament even if India opt to pull out.
“If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we won’t send the team. If you want to play, play; if not, don’t,” said Harbhajan Singh in a video shared on X, formerly Twitter.
“Indian cricket can still survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, then do it,” Harbhajan added.
For the unversed, uncertainty surrounds India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, considering the long-going political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, earlier this week, denied the reports suggesting that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Shukla, during a telephonic conversation with an Indian media outlet, asserted that the cricketing body has not issued any information regarding their team’s participation in the global event.
“We do not know which source gave such information. BCCI has not put out any official information regarding this,” Shukla told ThePrint over the phone.
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.
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.
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