KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi lambasted the Board of Control in India (BCCI) over their indecision to send Team India to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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 BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.
Meanwhile, former all-rounder Afridi while speaking to the media here on Monday, expressed his disappointment with the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in the tournament.
Shahid Afridi claimed that the Pakistan cricket team toured India in the past despite the threats. He further slammed India for making excuses in order to avoid visiting Pakistan.
“If India does not have the intention of coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, then India will continue to make excuses,” said Afridi.
“The Pakistan cricket team toured India despite threats. Indian cricket team is welcome if they don’t want to visit Pakistan,” he added.
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Remember, 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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