Lahore. All-rounder Shoaib Malik has urged India to tour Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be held in the country from February to March next year.
Let us tell you that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is adamant on its stand to host all the matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 in the country, despite rumors of a neutral venue or Plan B. There were reports that the Indian cricket team would not travel to Pakistan and would play its matches at a neutral venue.
Malik believes that India should tour Pakistan to play the Champions Trophy, as the Green Shirts also went to India to play the World Cup last year. Along with this, the all-rounder emphasized on keeping politics aside in sports.
Speaking on a YouTube channel, Malik said, “Whatever differences there are between the countries, they are a separate issue and should be resolved separately. Politics should not come into sports. Last year the Pakistan team went to India and now this is a good opportunity for the Indian team as well.”
He said, “I think there are many players in the Indian team who have not played in Pakistan, so it will be very good for them. We are good people. We are very hospitable people, so I am sure the Indian team should come.”
According to the schedule proposed by the PCB to the ICC, the Champions Trophy matches will be held at three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore. As per the plan, all of India’s matches will be held in Lahore.
Except India, all the eight teams participating in the Champions Trophy have already played in Pakistan and the PCB believes that India has no compelling reason not to come here.
The proposed dates for the Champions Trophy are from February 19 to March 9. The event will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after a gap of eight years, the last being held in 2017 when Pakistan won by defeating India in the final.