Watch: Mohammad Rizwan extends invitation to India for Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan's newly appointed white-ball skipper Mohammad Rizwan extended a warm invitation to the Indian team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The prestigious tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, is a historic moment as Pakistan prepares to host an ICC event for the first time since 1996. The matches will be played across three major cities - Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressing optimism about full participation from all nations, including India.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Rizwan drew a comparison between the hospitality Pakistani players experienced during the 2023 World Cup in India and what Indian players can expect in Pakistan.

"Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India as well (during the 2023 World Cup). We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here. I'm unsure if they're coming for the Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain - if they come, they'll receive an awesome welcome here,” Rizwan stated at a press conference.

Also Read: Watch: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visits Karachi's National Cricket Stadium to review renovation progress

Pakistan depart for Australia series

India hasn't sent its team to Pakistan since July 2008 due to strained political relations between the neighboring nations. However, the welcome the Men in Green received during the 2023 ODI World Cup was applauded by the whole team. Indian fans gathered in large numbers at the airport to welcome Pakistani cricketers.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team has left for Australia for a white-ball series and will then move to Zimbabwe for another tour. The side are preparing hard to get themselves ready for the much-anticipated competition.