India unlikely to travel to Pakistan [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com]
The Champions Trophy 2025 is mere months away, but controversies have already started as India's participation remains unclear. The marquee event is set to be hosted by Pakistan but India's stance remains clear, they will not travel to their neighbouring country for the mega event.
Instead, India are pushing for a hybrid model, and they want all their matches to be played in UAE, instead of the host nation, Pakistan. However, PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi has once again rejected the hybrid model and insists on the entire event to be played in Pakistan. The PCB chief opined that he is not ready to accept any hybrid model proposal and hasn't received any communication from BCCI regarding the same.
"In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn't travelling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
A similar incident occurred during the Asia Cup event in 2023. The host nation was Pakistan, but BCCI rejected coming to their nation as the event eventually took place in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan has always shown great gesture towards India: Naqvi
Naqvi also stated that Pakistan have always shown great gesture towards India, stating that the Men in Green came to India for the 2023 World Cup, and now it is India's turn to do the same.
"If we get a letter from India, I'll have to go to my government and abide by their decisions. Pakistan has shown great gestures to India in the past, and we'd like to say clearly that India shouldn't expect such friendly gestures from us every time [if they refuse to come],” Naqvi said.
With the Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2025, no decision has been made and it will be interesting to see what transpires and will India travel to their neighbouring country.