"Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan?": Harbhajan Singh's fresh attack on ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed India's decision to not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the BCCI is yet to announce its final decision on the matter, it is highly unlikely that it will get permission from the Indian government to send the team to Pakistan.

The bilateral ties between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been suspended for more than a decade due to the political tension between the two nations. The BCCI cut ties with the PCB in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.

India have not visited Pakistan since 2008 while the last bilateral series between the two countries took place way back in the 2012-13 season. India have continued playing against Pakistan in ICC competitions and the Asia Cup but have remained firm on their decision to not visit the country.

The security issue there is significant: Harbhajan Singh:

While only time will tell whether India visit Pakistan or not for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Harbhajan Singh believes the team should not cross the border next year. Speaking to IANS, the India great stated that security is still a big issue in Pakistan and the team should not take any risk.

"Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? The security issue there is significant. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don't think it's safe to go there. The stance of the BCCI is absolutely correct, and nothing is more important than the safety of our players." said Harbhajan Singh.

IANS Exclusive

Delhi: On India going to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh says, "Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? The security issue there is significant. The situation in Pakistan is such that… pic.twitter.com/29qeXMuiEW

— IANS (@ians_india) July 25, 2024

India's chances of going to Pakistan are extremely low. In case, India decides against going to Pakistan, the Champions Trophy is likely to be played across two venues. A similar arrangement was in place last year for the Asia Cup as well. The PCB had the hosting rights for the continental championship last year.

However, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) came up with a hybrid model that saw India play all of their games including the final in Sri Lanka. As per reports, the ICC has already started preparing for such a situation and has earmarked additional funds in case the Champions Trophy becomes a two-nation competition.