(Source X)
Shoaib Malik, the former captain of Pakistan, emphasizes that sports should remain free from political influences. He advocates for India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi next February and March.
However, doubts loom over India’s involvement in the tournament, casting uncertainty over Pakistan’s hosting plans. Since 2008, India has refrained from visiting Pakistan, citing concerns over security. The Indian government’s stance remains unchanged, with indications pointing towards a potential denial of permission for the upcoming tournament.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated in recent years, exacerbated by incidents like the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which strained diplomatic ties significantly.
Shoaib Malik discusses India’s possible withdrawal from Champions Trophy 2025.
In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Shoaib Malik expressed his views on the potential refusal of India to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Malik stressed the importance of separating politics from sports, advocating for India’s participation in the tournament hosted in Pakistan.
He pointed out Pakistan’s recent visit to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 as an example of sports transcending political barriers and expected a reciprocal gesture from India. Malik emphasized the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect in international cricket, urging all parties involved to prioritize the game over geopolitical issues.
“Any issues or disputes between the two countries are a separate matter and should be resolved separately in whatever way is necessary. Politics should not come into sports. The Pakistan team went to India last year, and now the Indian team has the opportunity to come here,” Malik said.
“I think many players in the Indian team have never played in Pakistan, so this would be a good opportunity for them. We are very hospitable people, and I am sure the Indian team should definitely come,” he added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has deferred to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to persuade the BCCI and ensure Team India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 hosted in Pakistan.
India’s last visit to Pakistan
Since India’s last visit to Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, political tensions between the two nations have severely limited their cricket encounters. Apart from sporadic meetings in Asia Cups or ICC events, there have been no bilateral series between India and Pakistan.
The most recent bilateral series occurred in 2013 when Pakistan toured India for two T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series ended in a draw while Pakistan clinched the ODI series 2-1. Since then, Pakistan has only visited India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Last year, India was slated to participate in the Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan. However, due to the Indian government’s decision not to grant permission, the tournament adopted a hybrid format. India’s matches, including the final, were moved to Sri Lanka, where they ultimately triumphed by defeating Sri Lanka in the championship match.
