‘It depends on…’: Ex-India star gives his verdict on Indian team’s refusal to play in Pakistan

The ex-India star in question here is Dilip Vengsarkar, who believes that the Indian team would have travelled to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy if the government would have given them the permission

Former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar considers the Men in Blue to be among the favourites to win the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy title. Like many other former cricketers and fans, Vengsarkar too believes that India is a strong contender to challenge for the trophy.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign with a group stage clash against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, Thursday.

“India is a strong favourite, and I think they will do well,” Vengsarkar told reporters in Varanasi.

The former India batter also spoke on the Men in Blue’s marquee clash against Pakistan which is set to be held on February 23, Sunday. Vengsarkar expects a close match, but is confident that India will emerge victorious on Sunday,

“I can’t predict it, but I think it will be a good match. I hope India wins,” Vengsarkar said about the feisty clash.

After the Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, it was decided that it will be played in a hybrid model where the Men in Blue will play their share of matches in Dubai. Vengsarkar believes that if the government would have allowed the Indian team to play in Pakistan, then they definitely would have done so.

“This depends on the government. If the government says to play, the team will play, and if they refuse, the team won’t play,” Vengsarkar said.

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