Former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan has voiced his hopes for the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of the tournament for cricket in the region. Speaking during a post-match press conference at the Abu Dhabi T10, Younis also highlighted the need for regular matches between India and Pakistan to ease longstanding tensions between the two nations.
“I am very excited. I hope the Champions Trophy takes place and proves beneficial not only for Pakistan but also for cricket in this region. We need India and Pakistan to play regularly so that the tension diminishes. I hope India will visit Pakistan, and Pakistan will visit India,” Younis said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been in discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) following India’s decision to refuse travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Earlier in November, the ICC formally informed the PCB that India would not participate in the tournament on Pakistani soil, raising questions about the future of the event.
The PCB has sought clarification from the ICC and is consulting with the Pakistan government to determine its next steps. The board has reiterated that Pakistan fulfilled its commitments by traveling to India for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023.
Younis stressed that hosting the Champions Trophy would boost cricket’s profile in South Asia and foster regional unity. The PCB has also reminded the ICC of the hybrid model successfully used during the 2023 Asia Cup, where Pakistan hosted some matches, while India’s games were held in Sri Lanka.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, a limited-overs series hosted in India. Since then, the teams have only met during ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. Younis believes that reviving bilateral cricket ties could bridge divides and benefit the sport globally.