Champions Trophy 2025: India should not mix politics with sports, says former Pakistan captain

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place in Pakistan. However, due to the strained political ties between India and Pakistan, it is highly unlikely that the Indian team will visit the neighbouring country.

India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket matches since 2013. Both the teams only clash in multinational tournaments since then.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has appealed to the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Malik has made a sincere appeal to India to tour Pakistan and keep politics separate from the sport.

“Any political tensions between the countries should be addressed separately from sporting events. Sports should remain free from political influence. Last year, the Pakistani team visited India, and now it’s the Indian team’s turn to reciprocate the same,” said Malik.

“Many players have never toured Pakistan. Visiting Pakistan would be a great experience for them. As the Pakistani people are known to be very welcoming, I’m confident the Indian team would receive a warm and friendly reception if they chose to tour the country. The Indian squad should strongly consider making the trip,” he added.