Following their victorious campaign in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian cricket team has now set its sights on the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for next year.
The tournament is set to be hosted by Pakistan, but uncertainty looms over India's participation in the ICC event. Some media reports suggest that team India may not tour Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to discuss with the International Cricket Council (ICC) the possibility of changing the venue of the Champions Trophy, if not for all matches then at least for India's matches. Potential alternative hosts being considered are Sri Lanka or Dubai.
Shahid Afridi urges team India and Virat Kohli to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan's all-rounder Shahid Afridi has urged the Indian team and Virat Kohli to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025. Afridi emphasized that both Indian and Pakistani cricket teams have received immense love and support from each other's fans in the past, and he called for keeping politics separate from the sport. Afridi highlighted that Virat Kohli enjoys a significant fan following in Pakistan.
"I will welcome Team India. Even when Pakistan used to tour, we received a lot of respect and love from India, and when India came in 2005-06, all their players enjoyed. There is no better advent of peace than India and Pakistan going to each other’s country and playing cricket. If Virat Kohli comes to Pakistan, he’ll forget the love and hospitality of India. He has his own class," Afridi told News24.
"Cricket has the power to unite people, and nothing would be more pleasing than seeing India and Pakistan play in each other’s countries. Kohli is a global icon, and his presence in Pakistan would be a dream come true for millions of fans."
Afridi expressed displeasure over Virat's decision to quit playing T20 International cricket, saying that the legendary batter could have continued to mentor younger players.
"Kohli's decision to retire from T20Is was surprising," Afridi added. "His experience and leadership would have been invaluable for the Indian team, especially in grooming the next generation of players."