'Why Should Team India Go To Pakistan?': Harbhajan Singh' Heated Words of Support BCCI's Decision Regarding Champions Trophy 2025

With the Champions Trophy making a return to the cricket calendars with the next edition taking place in 2025, Pakistan the defending champions will also host the tournament which will take place next year.

Both India and Pakistan have not taken part in any bilateral since 2012-13 and due to the rising political tensions between the two countries, the rival nations have only met when ICC tournaments took place.

When asked about the stauts of travel for the Champions Trophy, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla stated the board would only send the players over to the neighbouring nation provided that the government approves the participation.

“In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India permits us. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government,” said the BCCI vice president.

And now, roaring cheers of apporval and support have come in een from the likes of veteran bowlers such as Harbhajan Singh, who backed the BCCI’s decision as well.

Harbhajan reinstated that the safety of the Indian players is of paramount importance and that there remains no obligation for the team to travel to Pakistan.

“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don’t think it’s safe (for the team) to go there. The stance of the BCCI is absolutely correct and nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I support BCCI’s stand,” Harbhajan told IANS on Thursday.

In response to the BCCI’s initial statements, the PCB ensured that India’s all matches will be hosted in Lahore and the Indian team would stay in the same hotel throughout the tournament, in order to provide foolproof security for the visitors.

Moreover, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced that it had acquired land adjacent to the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore to construct a 5-star hotel. Sources revealed that PCB plans to construct the hotel itself and wants to complete the construction by early next year.

PCB sources stated that the newly constructed 5-star hotel would eliminate the need for teams to stay in distant hotels, thereby ending road closures for security.

(with agency inputs)