If our players are not safe in Pakistan then they will not send the team, Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan, if you guys can survive without Indian cricket then do it: Former Indian spinner
Mumbai - Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed concern over India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosted by Pakistan citing security issues. In a video posted on the social media platform 'X', 44-year-old Harbhajan Singh questioned whether India would send its players if the security situation did not improve.
Despite the uncertainty, Harbhajan Singh challenged Pakistan to hold this 8-team tournament without India. Harbhajan Singh said in a video on 'X' that if our players are not safe in Pakistan, we will not send the team. If you want to play, play, otherwise don't play.
Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, do it.
Last year, under the leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan toured India for the ODI World Cup after a gap of seven years. However, India's participation in next year's ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan is still in doubt. India has expressed its reluctance to go to Pakistan for the event. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not made a direct statement, they have repeatedly conveyed their concerns through media outlets.
Sources suggest that India's reluctance has caused concern for the ICC, forcing them to consider alternative plans. The issue will be a major topic at the ICC's annual conference in Colombo from July 19 to 22, where they will discuss the possibility of hosting the tournament in Pakistan as well as another country. During the conference, India will be asked to confirm its participation in Pakistan.
The BCCI is expected to mention the need for government approval to discuss a hybrid model involving the UAE as a co-host. The Indian government does not usually provide written denials or explanations for its decisions, raising concerns that a last-minute withdrawal by India could jeopardize the event.
As a result, the ICC is making contingency plans. The budget for hosting the tournament in another country along with Pakistan is on the agenda of the ICC meeting. On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is determined to host all the Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the country despite rumors of a neutral venue or Plan B. PCB is committed to portraying Pakistan as a safe and competent host for international cricket events.
