Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed disappointment over India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, calling it “unfortunate” for cricket fans in Pakistan.
“It’s unfortunate that things have worked out this way,” Watson stated, acknowledging the missed opportunity for Pakistani fans. “But there’s no doubt that everyone loves watching the India-Pakistan match. Whenever they come together, whether in ICC events or elsewhere, it’s always something special because we feel the intensity of what’s at stake.”
Watson, who has played in high-stakes rivalries himself, compared the India-Pakistan clash to Australia’s long-standing competition with England. “From an Australian perspective, we know how big the rivalry is between us and England. The India-Pakistan rivalry is just as significant. No cricket fan wants to miss that game. So, it’s unfortunate that India won’t be traveling to Pakistan for this Champions Trophy,” Watson added.
Scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy marks the return of the prestigious tournament after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan hosting the event across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The UAE will serve as a neutral venue for some of the matches. For Pakistan, hosting the tournament represents a significant moment for both cricket fans and the country’s cricketing future.
Watson expressed his excitement for the Pakistani fans, noting that the tournament would be a major event for the nation. “It’s going to be huge for the Pakistan cricket fans to have the opportunity to watch world-class cricket right in their own country,” he said.
The former Australian cricketer also reminisced about his own experience playing in Pakistan during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019, marking his first time back in the country since 2005. Watson praised the passionate support of Pakistan’s cricket fans, describing his return as one of the highlights of his career.
“To go to Pakistan after such a long time and see the love and joy the people have for cricket was incredible. They were starved for world-class live cricket,” Watson reflected.
“Now that the ICC event is in Pakistan, the country is going to light up. It’s a beautiful thing for Pakistan cricket to be exposed to the best cricketers in the world playing live in front of their eyes. This tournament is definitely going to be something special,” Watson concluded.
