ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Shahid Afridi sends direct message to Indian government amid IND-PAK tensions

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team all-rounder Shahid Afridi shared his verdict on the situation surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that it's time for India and Pakistan to reunite through cricket, and he hopes every team comes to Pakistan.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to take place in Pakistan next year in February and March. But it has found itself in the midst of the massive controversy between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

BCCI is not ready to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The BCCI is not ready to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They have received a denial from the Indian government and hence have written officially to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the same, asking for some other venue.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the other hand, is not keen to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 out of Pakistan. They want the entire event to be played on their land even though there have been reports related to the tournament taking place in a hybrid model with Indian games to be played in either UAE or Sri Lanka.

With India not agreeing to travel to Pakistan, there have been reports that claimed that there is a possibility that the entire tournament will be moved out. The reports suggested that South Africa has emerged as the prime venue to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but it hasn't been discussed as of yet on a serious note.

Now is the time to put differences aside and let the game unite us - Shahid Afridi

Amid all the fight between BCCI and PCB over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Shahid Afridi detailed that it's time both nations unite together. He believes that it is one of the greatest challenges for the game, but since both India and Pakistan came together in the Olympics, they should do the same for cricket in the upcoming events. Taking to his Twitter account, he explained:

"Cricket is at a crucial crossroads, facing perhaps one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. Now is the time to put differences aside and let the game unite us. If countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, why can’t we do the same for cricket - and the Champions Trophy?"

I hope to see every team in Pakistan for CT25 - Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi mentioned that it's time for both countries to keep egos in check and give back to the game of cricket. He wished to see all the teams playing in Pakistan and assured them they would get great hospitality. He added:

"As stewards of this game, we owe it to cricket to keep egos in check and focus on its growth and spirit. I hope to see every team in Pakistan for CT25, to experience our warmth and hospitality, and to leave with unforgettable memories that transcend the field."

Cricket is at a crucial crossroads, facing perhaps one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. Now is the time to put differences aside and let the game unite us. If countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, why can’t we do the same for…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 13, 2024

The launch event of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been postponed. The reports claimed that the schedule for the tournament is also not confirmed as ICC is still in discussions and dialogue with the host and participating nations.

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Michael Vaughan demands return of India-Pakistan Tests amid BCCI vs PCB feud