Kuldeep Yadav surprisingly eager to play Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan amid uncertainty

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has expressed excitement about the possibility of playing in Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The rights for the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy have been awarded to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by the ICC.

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February to March 2025, with the matches being held across three major cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams, determined by their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Kuldeep Yadav expresses excitement about a potential Pakistan tour for the Champions Trophy 2025

The teams will be divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, and Group B, featuring Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. However, India’s participation is the biggest headache for PCB.

The BCCI has clearly said that without clearance from the Indian government, they can’t send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the upcoming mega event. Even some reports claimed that the BCCI is demanding a hybrid model for their matches in the tournament.

While the Indian team's participation in the event is still pending official confirmation, Kuldeep Yadav has shown a strong desire to be part of the prestigious competition in Pakistan. He shared his excitement about playing in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan during an event in Australia.

However, the Indian wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav said that he has never visited Pakistan before, so he is looking forward to traveling to the country for the showpiece event while hailing Pakistani people.

But Kuldeep Yadav was diplomatic about his stance on the ongoing debate, as he said that whenever he gets the chance, he will definitely go and play there, whether it is in Pakistan or somewhere else.

The Pakistani people are great, and whenever we get the chance, we will definitely go and play there: Kuldeep

As reported by Cricket Pakistan, Kuldeep Yadav said at an event in Australia: “As cricketers, we will play wherever we are sent. I have never been to Pakistan before, so I am excited. The Pakistani people are great, and whenever we get the chance, we will definitely go and play there.”

However, reports have revealed that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy next year. A source also claimed that the BCCI has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches in the mega event.

Notably, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to ongoing political tensions. Team India last visited Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup, which makes any future match-up between the two arch-rivals a highly anticipated event.

The last edition of the Champions Trophy, held in 2017, saw Pakistan claim their first title by defeating India in the final. As the Champions Trophy approaches, the prospect of an India-Pakistan clash on Pakistani soil adds to the excitement among the fans and players.