'If India Doesn't Travel Pakistan...': Azam Khan's Father Warns Rohit And Co Before Champions Trophy
A file photo of Moin Khan (X.com)
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is due to be held in Pakistan in only five months' time, but the participation of India has a big question mark over it. India have not played any cricket match in Pakistan since 2006; and going by how things are at present, this trend may continue.
Former Pakistan skipper Moin Khan, who is the father of Pakistan's right-hander, Azam Khan, has also voiced his concerns and believes that the PCB should take a stand of its own if India doesn't travel for the tournament. His remarks underline the frustration now beginning to rise within the cricket fraternity due to the continued absence of any form of bilateral exchange between the two countries.
"India ought to honour its commitments with the ICC. And if they do not come, then Pakistan should reconsider its decision to participate in any future events slated to be held in India," Khan said while talking to Cricket Pakistan.
Moin Khan slams Sachin Tendulkar
He further called for intervention on the part of Indian cricket legends by calling out Indian great Sachin Tendulkar.
"People like Sachin Tendulkar should tell their cricket controlling body to keep politics away from cricket. Cricket should not be obstructed by political issues. The sport and its fans stand to benefit greatly from matches between India and Pakistan," Khan added.
However, Khan also acknowledged a crucial limitation i.e. the BCCI’s decision-making power is constrained by government policies. The final decision on whether the Indian team travels to Pakistan rests with the Indian government, not the BCCI.
Even if prominent figures like Tendulkar advocate for the tour, the ultimate call is beyond the BCCI’s control if the government remains opposed.
ICC to send special team to Pakistan for inspection
According to a report by Zee News, the ICC has a plan to send a special delegation within the next ten days to see the renovations that are underway at all cricket-venue sites in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Gaddafi Stadium. This visit, therefore, assumes all importance in putting together the schedule and thereby the commencing of ticket sales related to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
After the delegation's review, ICC are expected to unveil the schedule of the tournament and begin ticket sales. For the Champions Trophy, the PCB have earmarked a whopping fund of 17 billion rupees for the upgrades.