Mohammad Hafeez, former Pakistan captain termed India's travel to Pakistan for next year's Champions Trophy as a "daydream" after reports surfaced that the BCCI has told the ICC of the Indian government's decision not to send the team for the mega event.
Brushing aside all the safety concerns, Hafeez asked how Pakistan is not safe for India as it is hosting other teams in the country. The veteran cricketer said he waits for a stern response from the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board.
It is a daydream that India will come to Pakistan to play in Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not secure for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB," Hafeez wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Pakistan Cricket Board received an email from the ICC saying that their Indian board had informed them that it would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, said PCB spokesman Sami Ul Hasan. The PCB forwarded the email message to the government of Pakistan for advice and guidance, Hasan added.
Eight countries will compete in the Champions Trophy, which consists of two groups of four teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. From there, the competing teams will play semifinals and a final.
PCB is eager to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March and has submitted a bid to host all of India's matches in Lahore, almost a town next to the Indian border. It also wants to provide about 17,000 tickets to Indian fans wanting to look out for their team. The final is likely to be hosted in Lahore, as would any semifinal involving India, if they qualify for one.
Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, India have not played an international match in Pakistan. India did not travel to Pakistan last year for Asia Cup and their matches were played in Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan visited India to play in ODI World Cup 2023 and made an early exit from the tournament.
Read also| ATP Finals: Casper Ruud Shocks Alcaraz with Straight-Sets Victory
Read also| 'Champions Trophy Won't Happen Without India', Says Aakash Chopra
