With the reports doing the rounds that India have decided not to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, there have been sharp reactions from former cricketers over India's stance. As per reports, International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of India’s decision of not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. The withdrawal of India from this key event has left Pakistan, the host nation, and the ICC with the urgent task of formulating a contingency plan.
India’s decision to not travel to Pakistan could also lead to discussions about a potential "hybrid model" that could allow the tournament to proceed. Reacting to India’s decision, former Pakistan cricketer Javed Miandad has said that tournament should go on as planned despite India opting not to travel.
"It is a joke that this is happening. Even if we don't play India at all, Pakistan cricket will not only survive but prosper as well as we have shown in the past. I would like to see how the ICC events earn money when there are no Pakistan and India matches," Miandad was quoted as saying by PTI.
Over the past many years, India have refrained from travelling to Pakistan due to political conflicts between both nations. Due to political hostility, both teams only meet a world events, having played the last bilateral series in January 2013. Moreover, India have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025.