The former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns over the safety of the Indian cricket team in Pakistan and believes they should not travel there for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board has scheduled for India to play all their matches in Lahore, but the Indian government and BCCI are unlikely to agree. Singh supports the BCCI's stance, stating that nothing is more important than the safety of the players. This could potentially lead to a hybrid-model tournament, similar to the Asia Cup 2023, where India played their matches in Sri Lanka.
India's Participation in Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 under Scrutiny
Concerns have been raised over the safety of the Indian cricket team following the Pakistan Cricket Board's announcement that India would play all their matches in Lahore for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Background
India and Pakistan have a long history of political tensions, which have often impacted sporting events between the two nations. In 2009, a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore raised serious questions about the safety of cricket tours to Pakistan.
Harbhajan Singh's Concerns
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed grave concerns over the Indian team's safety in Pakistan. He believes that the BCCI should not allow the team to travel to Lahore, citing potential security threats.
BCCI's Stance
The BCCI has not yet made an official statement regarding the matter. However, it is believed that the Indian government and the BCCI are unlikely to agree to the Pakistan Cricket Board's proposal. The safety of the players is considered paramount.
Possible Alternatives
If India refuses to travel to Pakistan, the ICC may consider alternative arrangements for the tournament. One possible scenario is a hybrid-model tournament, similar to the Asia Cup 2023, where India played their matches in Sri Lanka.
FAQs
Q: Why is India concerned about safety in Pakistan? A: India and Pakistan have a history of political tensions and terrorist attacks, including a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.
Q: Has India ever played cricket matches in Pakistan before? A: Yes, India has played cricket matches in Pakistan in the past, but the last time was in 2005-06.
Q: What is a hybrid-model tournament? A: A hybrid-model tournament is when different teams play their matches in different countries. In the case of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India could play their matches in a neutral venue while other teams play in Pakistan.
Q: Who is Harbhajan Singh? A: Harbhajan Singh is a former Indian off-spinner who played 103 Test matches and 236 One Day Internationals for India.
Q: What is the ICC Champions Trophy? A: The ICC Champions Trophy is an international cricket tournament contested by the top eight ODI teams in the world. The tournament was discontinued in 2013 but is scheduled to return in 2025.
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