‘We'll Play Without Them’: Hasan Ali On Team India’s Potential Absence From ICC Champions Trophy 2025 In Pakistan

Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali has boldly expressed that the Champions Trophy must go on with or without India and said that if India doesn’t want to participate, it doesn’t mean that cricket has ended.

India’s participation in the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan, has become a point of contention. There have been reports in the recent past that India is firm on their stand of not travelling to arch-rivals Pakistan’s land for the ICC event. Reacting to these reports, Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has boldly expressed that the Champions Trophy must go on with or without India. He suggested that there are more teams besides India and if India doesn’t want to participate, it doesn’t mean that cricket has ended.

If reports are anything to go by, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suggested a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. The proposal entails India playing their matches in either Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, has remained firm in its decision to host the entire tournament.

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If We Go To India, They Should Come To Pakistan: Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali, while in a conversation with Pakistan’s SamaaTV expressed that if Pakistan is willing to play in India, India should reciprocate by coming to Pakistan. He also emphasised that sports should be separate from politics.

“If we're willing to go to India to play, then they should come to Pakistan too. Many people have repeatedly stated that sports should remain separate from politics. Additionally, many Indian players have mentioned in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. This indicates that the team does want to come; however, they have their own policies, country, and board to consider," Hasan said on SamaaTV.

India's Absence Doesn't Mean The End Of Cricket: Pakistan Bowler

Hasan Ali emphasised that if the Champions Trophy is to be held in Pakistan, it will take place there regardless of India's participation, reiterating the PCB chairman's stance. He stated that cricket should be played in Pakistan and that the absence of India does not mean the end of the tournament, as there are many other teams willing to compete.

“Our chairman has already stated that if the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, then it will take place in Pakistan. If India doesn't participate, we'll play without them. Cricket should be played in Pakistan, and if India decides not to participate, it doesn't mean the end of cricket. There are many other teams besides India," Hasan Ali added.