Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has reiterated that he does not foresee the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next year. His comments come amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s venue and India’s firm stance against sending its team across the border.
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan supported India’s decision, citing security concerns and political factors. “I don’t think Team India will travel to Pakistan. The situation doesn’t seem conducive for such a move. While people in Pakistan love cricket and the Indian team, these decisions involve governments, and they are making the call,” he said.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has previously expressed reservations about sending the team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. Last week, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal affirmed the BCCI’s position. “There are security concerns, and it is unlikely that the team will go there,” Jaiswal stated.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has insisted on hosting the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan and has been resistant to adopting a hybrid model. This has added to the uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s future.
In a recent development, reports suggest a potential compromise is being discussed. According to Geo News, a new formula could see India playing its matches originally scheduled in Pakistan at a neutral venue in Dubai. Similarly, Pakistan would play its matches in Dubai instead of India during ICC events. This formula, if agreed upon, would reportedly apply to ICC events for the next three years, starting with the Champions Trophy 2025.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called a meeting to address the situation and determine the future of the Champions Trophy. While various options are being explored, the debate over venue arrangements continues to dominate discussions.