"Our people should see them" - Younis Khan urges Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has passionately called for India to visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking at a recent event, the legendary batter made a heartfelt plea for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to grace Pakistani soil and perform in front of a passionate crowd in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Khan expressed his keen desire to see Indian cricket team icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli show on Pakistani soil and said that their fans in the country deserve to see them in action live in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 next year.

Younis Khan urges India to travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The former Pakistan captain said that Rohit and Kohli enjoy huge followings across the border. He also recalled how, during their tours to India, Pakistani players were met with overwhelming support, a sentiment he hopes will be given the same love and support if India travels to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Younis candidly acknowledged the longstanding complex and often fraught political relationship between India and Pakistan, but he believes that cricket should rise above and serve as a bridge of unity amidst the political tensions that very often overshadow the game. But he reiterated that Pakistani fans really love Rohit and Kohli.

His comments come at a time when the future of the Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain, particularly due to India’s denial to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. He strongly feels that politics should be kept away from the game and both teams should start traveling each other’s nation.

Younis Khan makes emotional plea for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in Pakistan

Younis Khan said at an event: “India should come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. I wish Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to come here and perform. Rohit already visited Pakistan, but Virat has not yet come here, so I wish he should come for the Champions Trophy 2025. We would love to see them live in Pakistan.

Our people should see them. They have a lot of fan following in Pakistan. When we used to go to India, we used to have a lot of fan following and vice versa. I think the ticket should be there. There are very strong politics between India and Pakistan. There are a lot of problems between our countries. But the fans and players should be neutral. Whenever India gets a chance, they should visit Pakistan, and we should also travel to India for cricket.”

Watch Here Younis Khan's plea to India:

Younis Khan said "Pakistan fans love Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli a lot. We want to see both these players playing and performing in Pakistan, we wish Team India comes and plays Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Politics should not be involved in sports" 🇮🇳🇵🇰❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/jePESm2lcX

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 2, 2024

Meanwhile, the BCCI is reportedly pushing for a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, suggesting that India’s matches should be held at a neutral venue, similar to the arrangement made for the Asia Cup 2023.

In contrast, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insists that the entire tournament should be hosted in Pakistan. It is also being said that India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in their group-stage encounter.

There is also a strong possibility that the two teams could clash again in the Super Four stage and potentially even in the final in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, as reported by the PTI.