One of the greatest all-rounders and former captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team gave his some suggestions regarding the future schedule of the both countries and said that he wished that the Indian men’s cricket team should come to Pakistan for the coming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The event is planned for Pakistan but it is almost sure India will not opt to host the eight-nation event beginning in the Champions Trophy on February 19, 2025.
A Long-Standing Rift: 16 Years of Cricketing Isolation: India’s Lack of Visits to Pakistan Amid Political Tensions
India has not toured Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 because of political instabilities between the two nations and in the last 16 years, Pakistan has visited India only four times and that involves, ICC world cup T20 in 2007 Pakistan, World cup 2003 Pakistan, Champions trophy 2020 India and world cup 2020 India.
Malik’s Gesture: Pakistan Captain Extends Olive Branch, Invites India for CT 2025, Advocates Separating Sports from Politics
In view of the latest development which suggest that the tournament either will be shifted out of Pakistan or will be held in a Pakistan-India joint formula owing to India’s attitude, Shoaib Malik, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team that reached the final of the 2007 T20 international cricket world cup has opened up the gates for the Indian cricket team and invited them to come to Pakistan stating that Pakistanis visited India the last year and now it is high As to him politics should not be associated with cricket at all.
“Whatever reservations there are between the countries, that’s a separate issue and should be solved separately. Politics shouldn’t come into sports. The Pakistan team went to India last year, and now it’s a good opportunity for the Indian team too. I think there are many players in the Indian team who haven’t played in Pakistan, so it would be great for them. Hum bahut acche log hai (we are good people). We’re very hospitable people, so I’m sure the Indian team should definitely come,” Malik was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Harbhajan’s Reality Check: Former Indian Spinner Reiterates Safety Concerns, Dubs Pakistan Tour ‘Uncertain’ for Indian Cricket Team
Pakistan’s former Indian nemesis Harbhajan Singh who toured Pakistan several times as a player during the Indian cricket team early 2000s reiterated that Indian players’ safety is of paramount concern and stressed on the fact that there is no reason for the Indian cricket team to tour Pakistan.
“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don’t think it’s safe (for the team) to go there. The stance of the BCCI is absolutely correct, and nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I support BCCI’s stand,” Harbhajan told IANS on Thursday.