Former Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik has called on India to visit Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place from February to March next year. Malik emphasized that sports should remain separate from political issues and encouraged India to participate, citing the example of Pakistan’s recent tour to India for the World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm in its decision to host the entire tournament within Pakistan, dismissing rumors of a potential neutral venue. There have been reports suggesting that India might play its matches at a neutral venue due to security concerns, but the PCB has reiterated that all matches will be held in Pakistan.
Malik, speaking on a YouTube channel, highlighted the importance of maintaining a sportsmanlike spirit and putting political differences aside. “Any political reservations between the countries should be addressed separately from sports. Our team traveled to India last year, and now it’s India’s turn. Many Indian players have never played in Pakistan, and it would be a wonderful experience for them. We are a hospitable nation, and I am confident the Indian team will be warmly welcomed,” Malik stated.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted across three venues: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. According to the PCB’s proposed schedule to the ICC, all of India’s matches are slated to take place in Lahore. Aside from India, the other seven participating teams have previously played in Pakistan, and the PCB argues that India lacks a substantial reason to avoid playing in Pakistan.
The tournament, set to run from February 19 to March 9, marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year gap, with the last edition held in 2017 where Pakistan triumphed over India in the final.
The cricketing world eagerly anticipates this event, hoping for India’s participation to foster goodwill and camaraderie through the sport.
