Pace bowler Hasan Ali has recently responded to the reports of India pushing to move the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to a neutral venue from Pakistan.
The eight-team event is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, Team India’s participation is subject to government clearance owing to the estranged relations between the two countries.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is adamant on their stance to host the Champions Trophy matches in the country.
Hasan Ali also backed the stance and stated that the tournament will be played in Pakistan, with or without India.
“If we’re going there (to India) to play, then they should come to Pakistan too. A lot of people have said countless times that sports should stay away from politics,” the fast bowler said while talking to a local channel.
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“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. 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.”
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.
Last year, the PCB had to adopt a hybrid model while hosting the Asia Cup due to India’s refusal to visit Pakistan.
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