Pakistan’s fast bowler, Hasan Ali has vehemently emphasized that Pakistan is determined to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 entirely on home soil despite uncertainties surrounding India’s participation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly rejected speculations of moving the tournament to a neutral venue, reaffirming its decision to hold all matches within Pakistan from February to March next year.
Speaking passionately on a local channel, Hasan Ali, named Player of the Tournament in the 2017 edition, expressed his views on the matter.
“If we’re going there to India to play, then they should come to Pakistan too. A lot of people have said countless times that sports should stay away from politics” Hasan remarked, addressing the issue of India possibly opting out.
“But if you look at it from another angle, many Indian players have said in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. So, it doesn’t mean that the team doesn’t want to come; they do. But obviously, they have their policies.” he added, reflecting on the complexities involved.
Under the proposed schedule submitted to the ICC, matches are set to be hosted across Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with Lahore earmarked for all India’s fixtures in the competition.
PCB officials remain confident that India, like all other participating teams, has no substantial grounds to skip the tournament in Pakistan.
The anticipated return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus is scheduled to commence on February 19th, culminating on March 9th.
Pakistan, victorious in the last edition by defeating India in a memorable final, is eager to showcase its capability once more on home turf, with or without the presence of its neighboring rival.