KARACHI: Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi expressed displeasure on Monday over India’s indecision regarding participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March 2025. He said that if the Indian cricket team do not want to come to Pakistan, then they shouldn’t.
Speaking to media in Karachi, Shahid Afridi criticized the Indian team’s reluctance to play in Pakistan. “We have visited several Indian cities even in difficult situations and despite the threats,” Afridi stated.
The ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place from February to March 2025, with Pakistan as the host nation. However, there has been significant speculation about whether the Indian team will participate in the tournament in Pakistan or opt for a neutral venue.
According to a report from Sports Tak on July 6, the Indian team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan, with discussions about a neutral venue still ongoing. The final decision on this matter is expected to be influenced by the Indian government’s stance.
Despite these uncertainties, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains resolute in its plans to host all tournament matches within the country. The PCB is preparing to accommodate eight teams across three venues: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with all of India’s matches scheduled to be held in Lahore.
To ensure the venues are up to international standards, the PCB has allocated Rs12.80 billion for the upgrade of stadiums, including Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena, and Rawalpindi’s International Cricket Stadium.
Should India decide not to participate in Pakistan, it could lead to reciprocal consequences. A local news channel reported last week that if India opts for a neutral venue, Pakistan might choose to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will mark the return of the tournament after an eight-year hiatus, with the last edition held in 2017, where Pakistan clinched victory by defeating India in the final.
