ICC Champions Trophy 2025: "Had India toured Pakistan..." - Shaheen Afridi warns Rohit Sharma & Co.

Pakistan National Cricket Team pacer Shaheen Afridi gave his take on India National Cricket Team not vising Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that had Rohit Sharma-led side visited his country they would have shown true hospitality.

The schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is out, and the tournament is all set to take place in a hybrid model with games being played in Pakistan and Dubai. The tournament will begin on 19th February, with the final all set to take place on 9th March, either in Dubai or Pakistan.

The hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 came into existence after India denied travelling to Pakistan

The hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 came into existence after the India National Cricket Team denied travelling to Pakistan. This saw BCCI and PCB getting involved in a lot of tussles, but ultimately, it was the two-nation formula that was accepted, and it will apply to all the events in India and Pakistan till 2027.

India National Cricket Team will be playing their games in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Also, one semi-final will be played there as well. In the context of the final, if the Rohit Sharma-led side reaches there, then it will be held in Dubai, but if they don't, a summit clash will take place in Pakistan.

With India not accepting to play games in Pakistan, the dream to see Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and other superstars playing in Pakistan will stay as a dream. Both the arch-rivals will be locking horns with each other on 23rd February.

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Had India toured Pakistan, we would have shown true hospitality - Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi subtly expressed his desire to see India playing in Pakistan, saying that had they toured Pakistan, they would've treated them well. But he isn't shying away from taking the challenge, saying that they are ready to play wherever India wants to play. As per Geo Super, he explained:

"Had India toured Pakistan, we would have shown true hospitality. Wherever they play now, we are ready to compete."

My job is to play, not to engage in politics - Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi added that his job is to play cricket and not engage in politics. He said that wearing a green jersey is an honor for him, and it brings a sense of pride. He elaborated:

"My job is to play, not to engage in politics. Wearing a green jersey is an honour for me, and I want to play for Pakistan. Representing the country brings a sense of pride."

Shaheen Afridi will be extremely important for the Pakistan National Cricket Team going into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The fast bowler of late was struggling to get going but reclaimed his form in the series against the South Africa National Cricket Team.

Shaheen Afridi was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan National Cricket Team in the three-match series. He picked 7 wickets and was one of the main reasons behind Mohammad Rizwan-led side whitewashing the South Africa National Cricket Team. It was the first time the Proteas didn't manage to win a single game in the home ODI series.