Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns over India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan. In a video posted on Twitter (X), Bhajji cited “safety issues” as a primary reason for questioning whether India should send their players to Pakistan.
Bhajji is the latest Indian player who has come out in support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the event. This is another cheap political tactic by the BCCI and Indian government to spoil Pakistan’s chances of hosting an ICC event after 28 years. Harbhajan Singh suggested that India could opt out of the 2025 Champions Trophy if the so-called “safety conditions” do not improve, challenging Pakistan to try hosting the multi-nation event without India.
“If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we won’t send the team. If you want to play, play; if not, don’t. Indian cricket can still survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, then do it,” Bhajji said in the video.
Sources indicate that India’s hesitation has prompted the ICC to consider alternative plans. This issue is expected to be a significant topic at the ICC’s annual conference in Colombo from July 19 to 22. During the conference, the possibility of hosting the tournament in another country alongside Pakistan will be discussed.
India will be asked to confirm their participation in the Champions Trophy during the conference. The BCCI is expected to state the need for government approval, potentially leading to discussions about a hybrid model involving the UAE as a co-host.
The Indian government typically does not provide written refusals or explanations for their decisions, raising concerns that a last-minute withdrawal by India could jeopardize the event. Consequently, the ICC is making contingency plans, with the budget for hosting the tournament in another country alongside Pakistan on the agenda of the upcoming ICC meeting.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm in its stance to host all 2025 Champions Trophy matches to show the world that Pakistan as a safe and capable host for international cricket events, despite rumors of a neutral venue or alternative plans.