Given the uncertainty over the conduct of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan after India refused to travel to the country to participate, a politician from across the border has spoken out in favor of the visit of the Men in Blue.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said that politics should not mix with sports and that the Indian cricket team should travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The politician mocked Narendra Modi, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and recalled the time when the Indian Prime Minister crossed the border “to eat biryani.”
“If the Prime Minister can go there to eat biryani, why can’t the Indian cricket team travel for the tournament?” that I, indian news agency, Yadav was quoted as saying during a media interview.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to hold a virtual meeting today to deliberate on the future of the 2025 Cricket Champions Trophy, which is clouded by uncertainty after India refused to travel to Pakistan.
Reliable sources said Geographic News He added that several options are on the table, including holding the tournament in Pakistan without India. However, this scenario is considered highly unlikely due to India’s great trade value.
One proposal under consideration involves a hybrid model, where Pakistan would host most of the matches while the matches involving India would be played at a neutral venue, most likely in the UAE.
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board said the PCB had already rejected the hybrid model but an ICC source insisted it could continue as an option. If such a model is proposed, the PCB is expected to insist that no Pakistan matches, including the group match against India, be played outside Pakistan.
The PCB has responded to India’s firm stance against travel to Pakistan with an equally strong stance, with cricket body chief Mohsin Naqvi rejecting the idea of abandoning the country’s long-standing stance against financial compensation for hosting rights.
He also assured stakeholders that he will stand up for what is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket.