Recent reports suggest that the BCCI is planning to ask the ICC to move India’s matches out of Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. This request comes amidst concerns that the Indian government may not permit the team to travel across the border due to security reasons.
The Champions Trophy, set to return after eight years, was last won by Pakistan in 2017. The tournament is scheduled for February and March next year.
India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since the 2008 Asia Cup due to strained relations between the two countries. They only meet in global or continental tournaments, with their most recent encounter being in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India defeated Pakistan in New York.
Amidst these concerns, an old video of former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh discussing player safety in Pakistan has gone viral on social media. In the video, Harbhajan emphasizes that if Indian players do not feel safe in Pakistan, they should not be sent there to play. He also states that Indian cricket can survive without matches against Pakistan, and if Pakistan feels the same, they should proceed accordingly.
According to the draft schedule, India and Pakistan are placed in the same group for the Champions Trophy, along with Bangladesh and New Zealand. All of India’s matches are planned to be held in Lahore.
