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The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 has been thrown into turmoil after India declared its unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, known for his outspoken nature, has taken to social media to express his disappointment and urge a change in perspective. He believes that the focus should be on the unifying power of cricket, urging all involved to put aside political differences and prioritize the sport. Afridi emphasized the importance of keeping egos in check and fostering a spirit of cooperation for the growth of the game. He expressed his hope to see all participating teams compete in Pakistan, experiencing the country's warmth and hospitality, and leaving with lasting memories.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed receiving communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's decision. They stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the ICC of its inability to send the team to Pakistan. This leaves the PCB with a challenging situation, considering the possibility of organizing the tournament using a 'Hybrid Model,' where some matches are played outside of Pakistan. However, PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf has explicitly stated that the 'Hybrid Model' is unacceptable to Pakistan, raising further complications.
India's decision not to tour Pakistan is a continuation of a longstanding trend. The last time the Indian team visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Pakistan, on the other hand, has toured India for a limited-overs series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016, and the 50-over World Cup in 2023. This development raises concerns about the future of bilateral cricket between the two nations, which are often overshadowed by political tensions. With the India-Pakistan match being a highly anticipated event in any tournament, the absence of India in Pakistan could significantly impact the Champions Trophy's appeal and draw.
The ICC, as the governing body, is now faced with the difficult task of addressing this issue. The convention is to announce the tournament schedule 100 days before its commencement. The ICC will need to determine the scheduling of the event while considering India's absence and Pakistan's stance on the 'Hybrid Model'. This situation echoes the events of last year's Asia Cup, which was also affected by India's refusal to tour Pakistan. The tournament eventually took place using a 'Hybrid Model,' with some matches played in Dubai. It remains to be seen if the ICC will adopt a similar solution for the Champions Trophy in 2025, or if a compromise can be reached to ensure the participation of all teams and the smooth running of the prestigious tournament.