The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially confirming its delegation toward the Indian team’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan has sparked a massive uproar among fans and ex-cricketers alike. Although civic officials in India cited ‘security reasons’ as the main impediment to travel, several ex-Pakistani cricketers maintain that India-Pakistan cricket matches can be played without compromising Indian players’ security. The discussions on the issue, however, are not confined to just the sub-continent, with fans even making conversations about the issue in the land of South Africa.
India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav was also approached by a fan who directed the same question to the cricketer as to why the team is not going to Pakistan.
“Mujhe ek baat bata saktein hai ke Pakistan kyu nahi aa rahe aap (Tell me why are you not coming to Pakistan)?”, a fan asked Suryakumar.
Surya gave an honest reply that it is the concern that does not relate to the players.
“Arrey bhaiya, hamare hath mein thodi hai (Brother, it is not in our hands),” he said.
It is also understood that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also contemplating withdrawing from the event themselves should the Indian team continue to refrain from crossing the border.
“In such a case, one of the options the government is mulling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan doesn’t participate in the Champions Trophy.,” Dawn quoted a source as saying. It has also been claimed that the government of Pakistan is taking a quite serious view of the situation.
The status regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy is rather still up in the air, but it has been said that the BCCI has advised the hybrid model. However, no final conclusion should be expected from the PCB on this issue in the forthcoming days.