In a recent statement, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his frustration towards Pakistani cricket during a show on a Pakistani TV channel. His comments have stirred significant controversy. Harbhajan emphatically declared that India would not send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025, citing security concerns for Indian players.
He stated, “If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we will not send our team. If you want to play, play. If not, don’t play. Indian cricket can survive and progress without Pakistan, but Pakistan cannot survive in cricket without India.”
This declaration has gone viral on social media, especially after reports surfaced that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering requesting a hybrid model for the tournament from the International Cricket Council (ICC), which could see matches being held in Dubai or Sri Lanka. Conversely, Pakistan has reportedly chosen Lahore as the venue for all of India’s matches. The Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with the schedule expected to be released soon.
The controversy has caused an uproar in Pakistan, with fans and former cricket stars reacting strongly to the possibility of India not participating. Some have even suggested that if India skips the tournament in Pakistan, Pakistan should reciprocate by not participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. Harbhajan’s remarks have intensified the debate, highlighting the strained cricketing relations between the two nations.
Pakistan last hosted a major cricket event in 1996, when it co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. The upcoming Champions Trophy will be the first major cricket tournament in Pakistan since then. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and the two countries only compete against each other in ICC and Asia Cup events.
Last year, during the Asia Cup, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model, avoiding travel to Pakistan. Harbhajan’s strong stance reflects the ongoing security concerns and the complex cricketing dynamics between India and Pakistan.
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