Harbhajan Singh backs hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025 : 'India shouldn't go to Pakistan until...'

Former World Cup-winning player Harbhajan Singh opened up about Team India's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Harbhajan Singh stated that the Indian cricket team should not travel to the neighboring country for the ICC tournament due to security concerns.

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March next year. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet decided whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. The BCCI's decision in the coming months will determine if India will travel to Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might have to host the event in a hybrid model if the BCCI decides not to send players to the neighboring nation. Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could host India's matches in the event. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will make a final decision.

What We Say Is Out Point Of View - Harbhajan Singh

In a conversation with Sports Tak, Harbhajan Singh stated that the Indian government will decide whether to send the team to Pakistan based on the security arrangements provided. Harbhajan Singh emphasized that the team should not travel to Pakistan without proper security for the tournament.

“What they say is what they think is right while what we say is our point of view. I feel the security concerns are always there and if the security of the players is not ensured there then I don't think that the team should go there," said Harbhajan Singh.

"If they say that the teams will get full security and there is no hassle then it's on the government to think and make decisions because in the end, it's not just about cricketing matters and the issue goes beyond. As a cricketer, I can say if you wish to play cricket, play cricket but the security concern is always there and players should not go there until the security is guaranteed," he added.

Pakistan Defeated India In Champions Trophy Final In 2017

It's unlikely that the BCCI will allow Team India to travel to Pakistan due to strained political relations between the two nations. The BCCI refused to send the team to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup. PCB hosted the event in a hybrid model, with India-centric matches played in Sri Lanka.

India last visited Pakistan in 2008, and the most recent bilateral series between the two teams was in 2012-13. Cricketing activities in Pakistan were suspended until 2019 following an attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009. Pakistan has not hosted an ICC event since the ODI World Cup in 1996.

Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval in London.The Men In Green scored 338 in 50 overs, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s 114. India’s top order was dismissed by Pakistan's pace trio—Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, and Hasan Ali. India was bowled out for 158.

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