Will India play in Pakistan? Well, that looks very uncertain as of now. After ICC awarded hosting rights of 2025 Champions Trophy to Pakistan, Indian Sports Minister Anurag Thakur expressed apprehensions about India’s participation in the major event, given the security concerns in the neighbouring country.
Pakistan had last hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup after which it has not hosted any major ICC tournament. Following attacks on the Sri Lanka cricket team in 2009, teams of rest of the countries have refrained from playing Pakistan in Pakistan.
Just recently, England and New Zealand teams had cancelled their tour to Pakistan citing security concerns. With decades-long conflicts between India and Pakistan and clashes continuing across the border, ICC’s recent announcement seems a cliffhanger situation for all cricket enthusiasts.
Amid speculations on India’s participation, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has said “when the time comes” the Home Ministry will be involved in deciding whether the team will tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions trophy in 2025.
Video Editor/Producer: Sanchita Mondal