Pakistani cricketer Hasan Ali has weighed in on the debate over India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025. Ali stated that if the Indian team does not want to come to Pakistan, they do not have to, but the Champions Trophy will still be hosted in Pakistan.
The discussion around India’s participation continues, with the Indian board proposing a hybrid model where India’s matches could be held in the UAE or Sri Lanka.
In a conversation with the media, Hasan Ali emphasized that, as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated, the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan. If India chooses not to come, the tournament will proceed without them.
Ali also mentioned that the Champions Trophy should be held in Pakistan, and cricket will not come to an end if India does not participate.
He argued that since teams have visited India to play, it is only fair for India to visit Pakistan as well. He highlighted that many have suggested keeping cricket separate from politics.
Ali also noted that many Indian players are willing to come to Pakistan to play, but their board and policies prevent them from doing so.
It is worth noting that the Indian team last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in three Pakistani cities between February and March.
The PCB has submitted the schedule to the ICC for final approval, with all of India’s matches planned to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. However, India has not yet officially announced its decision on traveling to Pakistan.