‘We’ll play without them’ - Hasan Ali on possiblities of India not visiting Pakistan for playing Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions is set to begin in February 2025; the marquee event will be held in Pakistan; the eight-team tournament will start on February 19 in Karachi; and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the final on March 9. A total of three venues have been shortlisted for the tournament. 

However, there are chances that the competition could be moved out of Pakistan due to the BCCI’s refusal regarding travel to Pakistan. Sri Lanka and the UAE are leading the race as backup venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Reacting to the same news, veteran Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali came forward to opine that the tournament should be held in Pakistan, and if India does not want to travel to the country, the tournament should be organised without them.

“If we’re going there (to India) to play, then they should come to Pakistan too. A lot of people have said countless times that sports should stay away from politics. But if you look at it from another angle, many Indian players have said in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. So, it doesn’t mean that the team doesn’t want to come; they definitely do. But obviously, they have their own policies, country, and board to consider," Hasan said on Samaa TV.

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“As our (PCB) chairman has already said, if the Champions Trophy is going to be held in Pakistan, then it will be in Pakistan. If India doesn’t want to come, we’ll play without them. Cricket should be played in Pakistan, and if India doesn’t want to participate, it doesn’t mean cricket has ended. There are many other teams besides India," he added.

Team India played against Pakistan in Asia Cup last year

It is worth noting that the Indian team last visited Pakistan in 2008; in 2023, the Asia Cup was to be held in Pakistan. However, due to India’s refusal to travel, the tournament was conducted in a hybrid mode. The Indian team played their games in Sri Lanka and even went on to win the tournament.