'India shouldn't travel to Pakistan if...': Harbhajan on Champions Trophy
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concerns about the Indian cricket team's potential visit to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
This comes amid ongoing speculations and a lack of official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Harbhajan believes India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament if the players' safety is not ensured.
Notably, the two teams do not engage in bilateral cricket series.
Security priority
Harbhajan emphasizes on player safety
Harbhajan stressed that India should not proceed with the tour unless the safety of its cricketers is guaranteed by Pakistan.
He stated, "I feel the security concerns are always there and if the security of the players is not ensured there then I don't think that the team should go there."
His comments underscored a need for assurance from Pakistan about providing full security to Indian cricketers.
Venue suggestion
Kaneria suggests Dubai as alternative venue
Along the same lines, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria also voiced his opinion, suggesting that India should avoid traveling to Pakistan for the competition.
He proposed Dubai as a more suitable venue given the current situation in Pakistan.
"Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan," Kaneria stated, emphasizing player safety and respect as top priorities.
Cricket diplomacy
Calls for cricket revival amid political tensions
Despite security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been pushing the BCCI to send the Indian team for the tournament.
Former Pakistani wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal appealed for a separation of politics from sports.
He said, "India should travel to Pakistan, and Pakistan should go to India. Let's keep the political matters aside and play and love cricket."
Backup plan
ICC's contingency plan for Champions Trophy
In case India decides against traveling to Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly has a contingency plan in place.
The matches involving Team India are expected to be held at a neutral venue.
To facilitate this, the ICC has allegedly allocated a budget of nearly $65 million to host the India matches at other venues.