‘We Can Play Champions Trophy Without India’ – Pakistan Pacer Hasan Ali
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Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has weighed in on the reports suggesting India might skip the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
Hasan Ali stressed that the tournament should go ahead in Pakistan as planned, even if India chooses not to participate.
The Champions Trophy 2025, featuring eight teams, is set to kick off in February next year with the final scheduled for early March. Pakistan, the host nation, has shortlisted three venues for the marquee event.
However, India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering requesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift India’s matches to a neutral venue like Sri Lanka or Dubai.
These two nations are seen as frontrunners for hosting India’s Champions Trophy matches if need be.
Speaking on Samaa TV, Hasan Ali addressed the situation, saying:
“The idea is if we go to India to play, they should come to Pakistan too. There’s been a lot said about keeping politics out of sports. But on the other hand, many Indian players have expressed their desire to play in Pakistan during interviews. This suggests the team itself might be keen, but they have their board, country, and policies to consider.”
“Our chairman [of the PCB] has already made it clear that if the Champions Trophy is happening in Pakistan, it will happen in Pakistan. India’s participation isn’t mandatory. Cricket should be played in Pakistan, and the tournament will go on regardless of their decision. There are many other strong teams out there.”
Notably, India hasn’t played a bilateral series in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. Political tensions between two nations have restricted their encounters to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups since India hosted their last bilateral series against Pakistan in late 2012.
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