Security concerns surrounding international cricket in Pakistan have been a longstanding issue, further amplified by the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan cricket team. During that attack, Sri Lankan team's bus was attacked in Lahore by terrorist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, leaving several players injured. The incident sent shockwaves through the world and raised concerns about safety of teams touring Pakistan.
The Indian government has reportedly refused to allow BCCI to send India to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy. This decision is based on the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two countries, coupled with ongoing security concerns regarding player safety in Pakistan.
India is not the only country to have declined to tour Pakistan for international cricket. Let's take a look at other teams that have also refused to play in Pakistan due to security reasons.
Australia canceled its February 2019 tour of Pakistan over security concerns. The Australian team was set to play a 5-match ODI series in Pakistan, but after a security assessment, the threat level was deemed too high. As a result, Australia decided to relocate the series and host it in a different country.
New Zealand cricket team's tour of Pakistan in September 2021 was unexpectedly canceled just moments before the first ODI. Following a security threat, New Zealand's security agencies instructed players to abandon the tour immediately. Prioritizing player safety, New Zealand Cricket Board decided to call off the tour. This cancellation was a major blow to Pakistan Cricket Board, as it was a key step in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan.
In October 2021, both England men's and women's cricket teams decided against touring Pakistan, citing security concerns and player mental fatigue. The scheduled T20 series was crucial for Pakistan cricket, making England's decision a major setback. This move left Pakistan's cricket fans disappointed, as they had hoped the tour would be a historic moment for the sport in the country.