Published: Jul 21, 2024, 08:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 21, 2024, 08:32 PM (IST)
Pakistan cricketer Hassan Ali has strongly said that if Team India does not agree to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, they are prepared to play the 2025 Champions Trophy on their home soil without Team India. With Pakistan being the sole host of the 2025 Champion Trophy, disputes has been there regarding India’s participation. The BCCI has reportedly even suggested a hybrid model, where India would play their matches in either the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka, though no conclusion has been made on this topic.
Hassan Ali mentioned that Indian cricketers are impatient to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
“If we (Pakistan) are going to India to play, then they should come to Pakistan as well,” said Ali.
“Many Indian players have said in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. So, it doesn’t mean that the team doesn’t want to come; they definitely do,” Ali said. “But obviously, they have to consider their policies, their country and their board,” he added.
Ali was fast in speaking about the tournament being played without India.
“As the PCB chairman has said, if the Champions Trophy is being hosted by Pakistan, it will only be played in Pakistan. If India do not want to come, we will play without them,” stated Ali.
“If India doesn’t participate, it doesn’t mean cricket has ended,” he added.
