Harbhajan Singh, ex-off-spinner of India, has shown firm support for the men in blue not to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025, kicking off possibly in February. The retired cricketer laid stress on the fact that even the Pakistanis aren’t safe as they encounter security issues frequently.
The recent titleholders of World T20 Championship have not ventured into neighbouring country since 2008 owing to unstable security scenario and finding it difficult even to come for the Champions Trophy. BCCI may suggest hybrid model where Rohit Sharma & co could play their series in Sri Lanka or UAE.
IANS Exclusive
Delhi: On India going to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh says, "Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? The security issue there is significant. The situation in Pakistan is such that… pic.twitter.com/29qeXMuiEW
— IANS (@ians_india) July 25, 2024
In a conversation with IANS, Harbhajan raised the issue of why should the Men in Blue travel to Pakistan when there are safety issues. He said:
“Bharat kyun jaaye? Pakistan kyun jaaye, bharat?” (Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan?)
“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don’t think it’s safe (for the team) to go there. The stance of the BCCI is absolutely correct and nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I support BCCI’s stand,” he added.
Rohit Sharma’s team, however, played their games in Sri Lanka and eventually won the trophy. This was because Pakistan were also the hosts of the Asia Cup last year.
Younis Khan desires for an Indian star to participate in Pakistan
Younis Khan former captain disclosed during a latest interview with News24 that the last remaining milestone in Virat Kohli’s glorious cricketing life is to play in Pakistan and should do this next season. He mentioned:
“Virat Kohli should come to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. It is our wish too. I think the only thing left in Virat’s career is to tour Pakistan and perform.”
In ODIs, the cricketer born in Delhi has an impressive average of 52.15, whereas in T20s he averages at 70.29 against Pakistan.
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