'Indian players cannot feel safe in Pakistan...' - Harbhajan Singh's old video goes viral amid Champions Trophy 2025 drama

An old video of former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has gone viral amid discussions about the Men in Blue's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. In the clip, Harbhajan Singh stated that the Indian cricket team should not travel to a neighboring country if the players cannot feel safe there.

As per recent reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as the Indian government may not approve the travel. The BCCI is expected to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider relocating India's matches to Dubai or Sri Lanka.

The Indian cricket team hasn't visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. The two teams last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India. However, the neighboring nations have faced each other in exciting matches in ICC and ACC tournaments. The Pakistan cricket team last visited India for the ODI World Cup 2023.

Aap Na Khelo Humare Saath - Harbhajan Singh

In a viral video, Harbhajan Singh emphasized that player safety is crucial, stating that if Indian players do not feel secure in Pakistan, the team should not travel there. He argued that Indian cricket can thrive without Pakistan, and if Pakistan can manage without India, then they should.

“Agar humare players wahan par jaake safe nahi hain toh nahi bhejenge. Aap na khelo humare saath. Aapko khelna hai toh khelo warna mut khelo. Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan and If you guys can survive without Indian cricket then do it. (If our players cannot feel safe in Pakistan then they won’t travel to the country. If you don’t want to play against India, then don’t. Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan and if you guys can do it then go ahead),” Harbhajan said on SportsTak.

Harbhajan Singh said, "If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we won't send the team. If you want to play, play; if not, don't. Indian cricket can still survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, then do it." pic.twitter.com/tJaywUqUQV

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) July 13, 2024

When Did Pakistan Last Host An ICC Tournament?

Pakistan is preparing to host a major cricket event for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly submitted the Champions Trophy draft schedule. The tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, and the exact dates are yet to be confirmed.

As per the draft schedule, India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan are included in Group B. India and Pakistan are set to face on March 1 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where all of India’s matches will take place.

Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year, but the BCCI refused to send its team. The Pakistan Cricket Board adopted a hybrid model with Sri Lanka hosting India's matches and the summit clash. Cricket activities in Pakistan were suspended until 2019 following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.

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