Pakistan cricketer openly opposes India's visit to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Published - 30 Aug 2024, 12:55 PM | Updated - 31 Aug 2024, 11:10 AM
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Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has said that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 should be played in a hybrid model and team India should not visit Pakistan.
Danish Kaneria said that Dubai would be an ideal venue for the ICC marquee tournament, considering that the Men in Blue might not travel to the neighboring nation.
Conflict between BCCI and PCB over ICC Champions Trophy 2025 likely to arise
Pakistan is the host of the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be played in February-March.
However, uncertainty looms over playing the entire tournament in Pakistan. The BCCI hasn't decided on whether to send the Indian team to Pakistan.
Pakistan was set to host the Asia Cup 2023. However, the tournament was then held in a hybrid model as the BCCI decided not to send the Men in Blue due to security concerns.
Pakistan had to host India's matches in Sri Lanka. Following that, Pakistan traveled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023.
Indian Team Should Not Go To Pakistan - Danish Kaneria
In a conversation with Sports Tak, Danish Kaneria suggested that Dubai would be the best venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
He said that the ICC will likely adopt a hybrid model, with the Men in Blue's matches held in Dubai. Kaneria noted that India's participation would generate hype and viewership.
"Look at the situation in Pakistan I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it, and then the ICC will make its decision, and most likely, it will be a hybrid model, it will play in Dubai Champions Trophy because people know that this is a good thing," said Danish.
"The media gets hype, everyone's videos get likes, and everyone's videos get liked because the big manjan is good so it will sell. So I think this is a reality and it will definitely be a hybrid model. And BCCI will do whatever they have to advise," he added.
Pakistan is currently hosting a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The home team has already lost the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The Work Of BCCI Is Doing A Great Job - Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria praised the BCCI for prioritizing player security. Kaneria acknowledged that the BCCI is doing a great job and added that other countries will accept that decision.
"The safety of the players is the first priority. Exactly. The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. There are many things. I think the work of BCCI is doing a great job. I think it will accept the decision of other countries and accept their decision and I think it will be a hybrid model," said Kaneria.
The Men in Blue last visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2008. Rohit Sharma's team and the Men in Green have not played a bilateral series since 2013 due to political tensions and safety concerns.
However, both countries have faced each other in thrilling encounters in ICC or ACC tournaments at neutral venues. With Jay Shah moving to the ICC chair in December, it will be crucial to see how things develop for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
