The possible departure of India from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is scheduled to host in February and March, has prompted a response from former great spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. An important turning point for Pakistani cricket is that the nation is getting ready to host its first ICC competition since the ODI World Cup in 1996.
Nonetheless, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a significant obstacle because of India’s unwillingness to visit the neighbouring nation. Because of security concerns, the Indian team hasn’t played in Pakistan since 2008, and it’s unclear if they will compete in the 2018 Champions Trophy. Mushtaq was forthright in his handling of the matter.
It is easy. India is free to visit if they so choose. It makes no difference if they choose not to attend. Making a big deal out of it is pointless. Neither side will gain or lose from this. Since the ICC is hosting this event, they should investigate this, Mushtaq informed Cricket Pakistan.
The voices of those outside should not be heard by us: Saqlain Mushtaq
A hybrid strategy, such to the one employed for the 2023 Asia Cup, in which India played all of its matches in Sri Lanka, is apparently being considered by the BCCI for India’s participation. A similar setup would be implied by the Champions Trophy hybrid concept, wherein India’s matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka.
In the meantime, the former spinner discussed his opinions regarding Babar Azam’s potential for captaincy, highlighting the significance of internal decision-making and long-term planning. He used the short captaincy of Shaheen Afridi as an example of why constant leadership is necessary and warned against making snap decisions in response to outside pressure.
Also Read: Reports: Three matches between India and Pakistan at the Champions Trophy in 2025
“A lot of people are recommending that Barak Azam give up his captaincy and return to playing as a normal player. However, these voices are all coming from outside, from people who are observing and hearing external stimuli. These are external comments. The voices of people outside should not be heard. He went on, “Those who are inside, watching the situation from within, should see what’s really going on and determine who has the ability to lead the team effectively.”
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